υπόσχομαι
ypóschomai/iˈpo.sxo.me/
In Greek, "I promise" is expressed as υπόσχομαι (ypóschomai).
υπόσχομαι is a phrase used to give a formal or heartfelt assurance that you will definitely perform an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
To speak in the past tense and say "I promised", use the form υποσχέθηκα.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /iˈpo.sxo.me/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb υπόσχομαι is built from the prefix υπό, meaning 'under', and the root for 'to take' or 'to hold'.
- In Greece, making a promise is sometimes accompanied by the gesture of placing one's hand on a holy book or the chest. This non-verbal cue transforms υπόσχομαι from a simple statement into a sacred bond.
- The phrase δίνω τον λόγο μου uses the word λόγο, which means 'word' but also refers to 'reason' and 'logic' in Greek philosophy.
Examples in context
- Υπόσχομαι πως δε θα το ξανακάνω.I promise I won't do it again.This sentence is useful for expressing a promise not to repeat a certain behavior using υπόσχομαι.Tatoeba #3000435 by mululatv, translation #9227241 by Nylez
- Υπόσχομαι.I promise.This sentence is useful for a simple statement of a promise using υπόσχομαι.Tatoeba #5456731 by Zeus, translation #2111800 by CK
- Υπόσχομαι ότι θα το κάνωI promise I will do it
- Παρακαλώ να με πιστέψετε, θα εκπληρώσω την υπόσχεσή μουPlease believe me, I will fulfill my promise
- Εγγυώμαι ότι θα το κάνωI assure you I will do it
- Υπόσχομαι ότι τα έγγραφα θα είναι στα χέρια σας αύριο το πρωίI promise that the documents will be in your hands tomorrow morning
- Σου υπόσχομαι ότι θα έρθω.Sou ypóshkomai óti tha értho.I promise you that I will come.
Example conversation
Giorgos is promising Kyriaki that he will help her with the cleaning.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα με βοηθήσεις στο καθάρισμα αύριο;Tha me voithiseis sto katharisma avrio?Will you help me with the cleaning tomorrow?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, υπόσχομαι ότι θα είμαι εδώ.Ne, uposchomai oti tha imai edo.Yes, I promise that I will be here.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕλπίζω να μην το ξεχάσεις, Γιώργο.Elpizo na min to xechasis, Giorgo.I hope you don't forget, Giorgos.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜην ανησυχείς, το υπόσχομαι!Min anisycheis, to uposchomai!Don't worry, I promise it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry υπόσχομαι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries υπόσχομαι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
