compromiso
/kompɾoˈmiso/
The English word engagement is translated into Spanish as compromiso.
Compromiso refers to the period of time when a marriage is planned or promised. It is a polysemous word, meaning it has multiple meanings. It can also mean a commitment, a social commitment or a prior appointment and obligation.
Meaning: period of time when marriage is planned or promised (noun)
Which one should you use?
While compromiso is used for a marriage engagement, it is also used to describe a social commitment or an appointment. For example, if you have a prior obligation that prevents you from attending something, you would say you have a compromiso.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, the term pedido de mano is commonly used to refer to the act of engagement or the proposal.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾoˈmiso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use compromiso to translate the English word 'engagement' when referring to social media metrics, such as likes or comments. In those cases, Spanish speakers use interacción or the anglicism 'engagement'.
Did you know?
- The word compromiso is a cognate of the English word 'compromise'. While 'compromise' often implies a concession or a middle ground in English, in Spanish it primarily signifies a solemn pledge or obligation.
- In some traditional Spanish cultures, the pedido de mano is not just a proposal but a formal negotiation between two families to ensure the union is mutually beneficial.
- The phrase pedido de mano translates literally as 'request of hand'. This reflects an archaic custom where the groom formally asked the father for the bride's hand in marriage.
Examples in context
- Tom le dio un anillo de compromiso a Mary.Tom gave Mary an engagement ring.This sentence shows how to use the phrase for an engagement ring with compromiso.Tatoeba #1634662 by marcelostockle, translation #1094022 by CK
- No puedo ir con usted, tengo un compromiso.I can't go with you. I have an engagement.This sentence shows how to use compromiso to indicate a prior social engagement.Tatoeba #2266903 by hayastan, translation #2266902 by _undertoad
- Tengo otro compromiso.I have another engagement.This sentence shows how to use compromiso to express having another engagement.Tatoeba #1329530 by marcelostockle, translation #320311 by CK
- Estoy muy emocionado/a de anunciar que estamos comprometidos. ¡Estamos muy felices!I'm thrilled to announce that we are engaged. We are overjoyed!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a friend's news.
- Mateo¡Mira! Ana publicó una foto de su compromiso.Look! Ana posted a photo of her engagement.
- María¡Qué sorpresa! No sabía que se iban a casar.What a surprise! I didn't know they were getting married.
- MateoParece que el compromiso fue hace unos días.It seems the engagement happened a few days ago.
- MaríaEstoy muy feliz por ellos dos.I am very happy for the two of them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compromiso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compromiso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
