no prometo nada
/no pɾometo nada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no promises" is translated into Spanish as no prometo nada.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase no prometo nada literally translates to "I don't promise anything".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase no prometo nada uses a double negative structure common in Spanish, where no and nada (nothing) work together to negate the verb. If you want to specify who you are not making a promise to, you can add an indirect object pronoun like te (to you) or le (to him/her/you formal) before the verb, as seen in no te prometo nada.
How do you pronounce it?
/no pɾometo nada/
Did you know?
- The word nada originally came from a Latin phrase meaning 'no born thing'. It evolved from a description of a person who was never born into a general word for 'nothing'.
- While no prometo nada is a standard refusal to commit, Spanish speakers often accompany such a phrase with a shrug or an open-palm gesture to emphasize the lack of control over the outcome.
- In some contexts, the word nada can function as an exclamation of complete disbelief or shock, similar to 'no way' in English.
Examples in context
- Voy a ver que puedo hacer, pero no prometo nada.I'll see what I can do, but no promises.This sentence shows how to use no prometo nada when expressing that you will try to help but cannot make a promise.Tatoeba #3707102 by Majoag, translation #3706251 by patgfisher
- No puedo hacer promesas sobre el resultado final del proyecto.I can't make promises about the final result of the project.
- No puedo asegurarlo, pero haré todo lo posible por ayudarte.I can't assure it, but I will do everything possible to help you.
- ¿Vendrás a la fiesta? Lo siento, no te prometo nada, pero intentaré ir.Will you come to the party? I'm sorry, I don't promise you anything, but I will try to go.
- No te aseguro nada, pero intentaré conseguir los boletos para el concierto.I don't assure you anything, but I will try to get the tickets for the concert.
- No te garantizo nada, pero trataré de ayudarte con el proyecto.I don't guarantee you anything, but I will try to help you with the project.
- Puedo intentar ayudarte, pero no prometo nada.I can try to help you, but no promises.
- Llegaré temprano, pero no prometo nada.I will arrive early, but no promises.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a favor.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿puedes ayudarme con mi proyecto?Alejandro, can you help me with my project?
- AlejandroTengo mucho trabajo, así que no prometo nada.I have a lot of work, so I make no promises.
- ElenaEntiendo, pero sería de gran ayuda.I understand, but it would be a great help.
- AlejandroLo miraré mañana y te aviso.I'll look at it tomorrow and let you know.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nada, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
