Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compromiso | /kompɾoˈmiso/ | masculine |
| promesa | /pɾoˈmesa/ | feminine |
| acuerdo | /aˈkweɾdo/ | masculine |
The term for commitment refers to a promise or an agreement to do something in the future. It can represent a social obligation, a formal engagement or the abstract concept of commitment within a relationship. In certain formal contexts, other words might be used to express specific nuances of commitment, such as obligación (obligation), dedicación (dedication) or fidelidad (loyalty or faithfulness).
Which one should you use?
While compromiso is used for social obligations, formal engagements or general commitments, promesa is used when the commitment is specifically a verbal or written vow to do something. The word acuerdo can also be used to denote an agreement.
How does it change in a sentence?
Compromiso and acuerdo are masculine nouns, while promesa is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾoˈmiso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use compromiso if you mean 'compromise' in the sense of a concession or reaching a middle ground. In those cases, use concesión or acuerdo de compromiso instead.
When do people say it?
The phrase tener un compromiso is a common way to politely decline an invitation by stating that you have a prior engagement or obligation.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, compromiso is the standard word used to describe an engagement to be married.
- The word acuerdo is linguistically linked to the Latin word 'cor', meaning 'heart'. This connects the idea of an agreement to the concept of being 'of one heart' or in harmony.
Examples in context
- Tom le teme al compromiso.Tom is afraid of commitment.This sentence shows how to express fear of commitment using compromiso.Tatoeba #1306088 by marcelostockle, translation #1025116 by CK
- Tengo un compromiso que debo cumplir.I have a commitment that I should fulfill.This sentence illustrates how to state that you have a commitment to fulfill using compromiso.Tatoeba #9136827 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9136830 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Tenía un compromiso.I had a commitment.This sentence demonstrates how to say one had a commitment using compromiso.Tatoeba #6677431 by arh, translation #7895042 by helloroto
- Mi compromiso con este proyecto es absolutoMy commitment to this project is absolute
- Tenemos la obligación de cumplir con nuestro compromisoWe have the obligation to fulfill our commitment
- Su dedicación al trabajo es admirableTheir commitment to work is admirable
- Nuestra fidelidad a nuestros valores es lo que nos distingueOur commitment to our values is what sets us apart
- Tienes que cumplir tu compromiso de ayudarme con este proyectoYou have to fulfill your commitment to help me with this project
- Su entrega a la relación es evidenteTheir commitment to the relationship is evident
- Agradezco tu lealtad y compromiso en nuestra amistadI appreciate your loyalty and commitment in our friendship
- Nuestra compañía valora el compromiso de sus empleadosOur company values its employees' commitment
- Amor, entrega y constancia son la base de una relación sólidaLove, dedication, and commitment are the foundation of a strong relationship
- Una promesa es una de las expresiones más claras de compromiso que puedes hacer.A promise is one of the clearest expressions of commitment you can make
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing their busy schedules at work.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes venir a la reunión?Lucía, can you come to the meeting?
- LucíaLo siento, Javier, ya tengo un compromiso.I'm sorry, Javier, I already have a commitment.
- JavierEs una lástima, te necesitamos aquí.It's a shame, we need you here.
- LucíaMañana tendré más tiempo para ayudar.Tomorrow I will have more time to help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “commitment” translations and entries compromiso, promesa, acuerdo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acuerdo, compromiso, promesa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
