promessa
/proˈmes.sa/feminine
The English word 'promise' can be translated into Italian as promessa, giuramento or voto.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| promessa | /proˈmes.sa/ | feminine |
| giuramento | /d͡ʒu.raˈmen.to/ | masculine |
| voto | /ˈvo.to/ | masculine |
You can use the related verbs promettere or giurare to mean 'to commit to something'.
Which one should you use?
Use promessa for a standard promise or an engagement, such as a promessa di matrimonio. Use giuramento when referring to a formal oath, like those taken in a court of law or during a political inauguration. Use voto for a solemn religious vow or a formal pledge.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine noun promessa is promesse. The plural of the masculine noun giuramento is giuramenti, and the plural of the masculine noun voto is voti.
How do you pronounce it?
promessa is pronounced /proˈmes.sa/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'voto' can mean a 'vow', it is also the common word for a 'vote' in an election, meaning a political vote and a religious vow share the same name.
- If an Italian says parola d'onore instead of promessa, they are giving their 'word of honor', which carries a much heavier weight of personal integrity.
- The word promessa comes from the Latin promittō, which originally meant 'to send forth' before it evolved to mean 'to promise'.
Examples in context
- Era la mia promessa.That was my promise.This sentence uses promessa to show possession.Tatoeba #5765877 by Guybrush88, translation #5754441 by CM
- Quella è una promessa.That's a promise.This sentence uses promessa to identify a specific promise.Tatoeba #2434468 by Guybrush88, translation #2234936 by Hybrid
- Quella è una promessa?Is that a promise?This sentence uses promessa to ask a question about a promise.Tatoeba #2455091 by Guybrush88, translation #1886913 by CK
- Le giuro che farò tutto il possibile per risolvere il problema.I promise you that I will do everything I can to solve the issue.
- Mi impegno a consegnare il lavoro entro la scadenza prevista.I promise to deliver the work by the set deadline.
- Ti prometto che verrò al tuo compleanno.I promise I will come to your birthday party.
- Ti do la mia parola che resterò al tuo fianco durante questo periodo difficile.I give you my word that I'll stand by your side during this difficult time.
- Giuro su mia madre che avrò cura del tuo cane mentre sei via.I swear on my mother's life that I'll take care of your dog while you're away.
- 223 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are talking about a secret.
- GiuliaNon dirlo a nessuno, per favore.Please don't tell anyone.
- FrancescoTi faccio una promessa, rimarrà tra noi.I make you a promise, it will stay between us.
- GiuliaSpero che tu mantenga la promessa.I hope you keep the promise.
- FrancescoPuoi fidarti di me, Giulia.You can trust me, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promise” translations and entries promessa, giuramento, voto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giuramento, promessa, voto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
