compromiso
/kompɾoˈmiso/
The English phrase 'compromise' (as a settlement) is translated into Spanish as compromiso.
In specific legal or formal contexts, compromiso can refer to a settlement of differences reached by mutual consent or arbitration. However, in everyday Spanish, the word is most frequently used to mean a 'commitment', 'obligation' or 'engagement'.
Meaning: settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions (noun)
Which one should you use?
While compromiso can represent a settlement in formal settings, when you want to express the action of making concessions to reach a settlement, you should use the verb transigir or transar. If you wish to say 'to commit oneself' to a task or a person, use the verb comprometerse.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾoˈmiso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use compromiso to mean a 'settlement' (the result of a negotiation), but be aware that in Spanish this word primarily communicates a 'commitment', 'obligation' or 'engagement'.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, estoy comprometido most often means 'I am engaged to be married' rather than 'I am committed to a goal'.
- The Spanish verb comprometer can also mean 'to jeopardize' or 'to put something at risk', such as when a person's actions comprometen su reputación (jeopardize their reputation).
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, failing to honor a compromiso is often viewed as a much more serious breach of social etiquette than a broken 'appointment' might be in English.
Examples in context
- Se logró un compromiso.A compromise was reached.This sentence shows how to express that a compromise was reached using compromiso.Tatoeba #3163201 by cueyayotl, translation #806877 by Source_VOA
- Finalmente alcanzamos un compromiso.Finally, we reached a compromise.This sentence demonstrates reaching a compromise using compromiso.Tatoeba #1707834 by teskmon, translation #1559803 by CM
- Parece no haber alguna posibilidad de un compromiso.There seems to be no possibility of compromise.This sentence describes the lack of possibility for a compromise using compromiso.Tatoeba #1515845 by tatianangel, translation #275206 by CK
- El compromiso es fundamental para lograr acuerdos duraderos.Compromise is essential to achieve lasting agreements.
- Ambas partes llegaron a un pacto después de largas negociaciones.Both parties reached a compromise after lengthy negotiations.
- Llegamos a un acuerdo para compartir las tareas del hogar.We reached a compromise to share household chores.
- Tuvimos que hacer un arreglo sobre el horario de trabajo.We had to make a compromise regarding the work schedule.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their vacation plans.
- MateoNo queremos ir a lugares diferentes.We don't want to go to different places.
- MaríaBusquemos un compromiso que nos guste a ambos.Let's find a compromise that we both like.
- Mateo¿Podemos ir a la montaña este año?Can we go to the mountains this year?
- MaríaEstá bien, ese es un buen compromiso.Alright, that is a good compromise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compromiso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
