promesse
/pʁɔ.mɛs/feminine
The English word 'promise' translates to French as promesse or vœu.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| promesse | /pʁɔ.mɛs/ | feminine |
| vœu | /vø/ | masculine |
The word is used to describe a vow or an assurance that something will be done. To express the act of fulfilling a promise, the idiom tenir une promesse (to keep a promise) is used. If you wish to express the action of making a commitment, you can use the related verb promettre.
Which one should you use?
promesse is a standard term for a promise, whereas vœu is used for more solemn or formal vows, such as religious or marriage vows.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain French-speaking regions, the verb jurer (to swear) can be used to express a strong promise.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word promesse has two syllables and is pronounced /pʁɔ.mɛs/.
Did you know?
- The French word vœu is a linguistic sibling of the English word 'vote'. Both originate from the Latin vōtum, meaning a solemn promise or vow made to a deity.
- The word vœu is used in the phrase vœu pieux, which translates to 'pious wish'. It describes a promise or hope that is completely unrealistic and will never happen.
- In French, a 'broken promise' is described using the verb rompre, which means 'to break' or 'to rupture'. The phrase rompre une promesse evokes the physical image of snapping a string.
Examples in context
- Il tint sa promesse.He stuck to his promise.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the form promesse with the verb 'tenir' to mean sticking to a promise.Tatoeba #961566 by sacredceltic, translation #304295 by CK
- Je fis une promesse.I made a promise.This sentence is useful for using the form promesse to express making a promise.Tatoeba #2382169 by sacredceltic, translation #2380395 by CK
- Il a tenu sa promesse.He kept his promise.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the form promesse with the verb 'tenir' to mean keeping a promise.Tatoeba #1684728 by sacredceltic, translation #1682873 by Spamster
- Je vous promets que je terminerai le projet à temps.I promise you that I will finish the project on time.
- Je te promets que je t'appellerai dès que j'arrive.I promise you that I will call you as soon as I arrive.
- 135 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing their future wedding plans.
- ChloéQuelle est ta plus belle promesse ?What is your most beautiful promise?
- NathanCelle de rester toujours à tes côtés.That of always staying by your side.
- ChloéC'est une promesse très touchante.It is a very touching promise.
- NathanJe la ferai devant tout le monde.I will make it in front of everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promise” translations and entries promesse, vœu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries promesse, vœu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
