υπόσχομαι
ypóschomai/iˈpo.sxo.me/
The Greek word for the English phrase 'promise' is υπόσχομαι (ypóschomai).
The verb υπόσχομαι is used to express making a vow or committing to do something. When you want to follow the verb with a clause, such as 'I promise that…', it is common to use the conjunction πως after it. To express the concept of a promise as a noun, use the word υπόσχεση.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Which one should you use?
While υπόσχομαι is the standard verb for making a promise, the noun form of the word is υπόσχεση. If you wish to express releasing yourself from a promise that has already been made, use Αποδεσμεύομαι.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form υπόσχομαι is the first-person singular present indicative, meaning 'I promise'. To speak in the past tense, 'I promised', use υποσχέθηκα. To speak in the future tense, 'I will promise', use θα υποσχεθώ.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ypóschomai. It is pronounced as /iˈpo.sxo.me/ and has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- To break or release yourself from a promise, Greeks use the verb Αποδεσμεύομαι, which carries the vivid imagery of 'untying' or 'unbinding' oneself.
- The prefix in υπόσχομαι is υπό, which means 'under'. This implies that by making a promise, you are symbolically placing yourself 'under' an obligation.
- While υπόσχομαι is used for promises, a solemn oath requires the word όρκο, which often involves a sacred object or a deity.
Examples in context
- Υπόσχομαι πως δε θα το ξανακάνω.I promise I won't do it again.This sentence demonstrates how to use υπόσχομαι to promise an action won't be repeated.Tatoeba #3000435 by mululatv, translation #9227241 by Nylez
- Υπόσχομαι.I promise.This is a short way to say 'I promise' using υπόσχομαι.Tatoeba #5456731 by Zeus, translation #2111800 by CK
- Υπόσχομαι πως θα ολοκληρώσω την εργασία στο χρονικό πλαίσιο.I promise to complete the work within the timeframe.
- Θα το τηρήσω, χαλαρά!I will keep it, no worries!
Example conversation
Kostas is asking Eleni for a favor.
- Κώστας KostasΜπορείς να μου δανείσεις το βιβλίο σου;Boreis na mou daneiseis to vivlio sou?Can you lend me your book?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, αλλά θα το φέρεις πίσω σύντομα;Nai, alla tha to fereis piso syntoma?Yes, but will you bring it back soon?
- Κώστας KostasΥπόσχομαι ότι θα το επιστρέψω την Παρασκευή.Uposchomai oti tha to epistrepso tin Paraskevi.I promise that I will return it on Friday.
- Ελένη EleniΕντάξει, Κώστα, ορίστε το βιβλίο.Entaxei, Kosta, oriste to vivlio.Okay, Kostas, here is the book.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry υπόσχομαι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
