estoy comprometido
/estoi kompɾometido/from spelling rules
To say "I am engaged" in Spanish, use estoy comprometido.
This phrase is used to say that someone has promised to marry another person.
Which one should you use?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be in a state) rather than ser (to be a characteristic), which is standard for expressing a temporary status like engagement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Estoy comprometido/a is commonly used to say "I am engaged."
How does it change in a sentence?
A female speaker uses the feminine form comprometida instead of the masculine comprometido.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use tengo compromiso (I have commitment), but estoy comprometido is the natural way to express being engaged to be married.
Did you know?
- The word comprometido is also used to describe someone who is in a difficult or awkward situation where they are forced to act against their will, similar to being 'compromised' in English.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of getting engaged is referred to as pedida de mano, which literally translates to 'asking for the hand'.
- While estoy comprometido means 'I am engaged' in the context of marriage, if you are at a business meeting and say estoy comprometido, you are telling people you are busy or have a prior appointment.
Examples in context
- Estoy comprometido con ella.I am engaged to her.
- Después de la cena, dije que estoy comprometido.After dinner, I said that I am engaged.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking at a coffee shop.
- María¿Tienes novia, Mateo?Do you have a girlfriend, Mateo?
- MateoSí, de hecho, estoy comprometido.Yes, in fact, I am engaged.
- María¡Qué bueno! ¿Quién es ella?That's great! Who is she?
- MateoEs una chica increíble.She is an incredible girl.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
