obietnica
/ɔ.bjɛtˈɲi.t͡sa/feminine
The English word 'promise' (as a noun) is translated into Polish as obietnica.
obietnica is a feminine noun meaning a vow or a promise.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use obietnica when you are referring to the noun 'a promise', but use the verb forms obiecywać or obiecać when you want to say 'to promise'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form obietnica changes depending on its role in a sentence: use obietnicy for 'of the promise' (genitive singular) and obietnicę for 'promise' in the accusative singular. The plural form of the word is obietnice.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.bjɛtˈɲi.tsa/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- If someone is accused of breaking a promise, they might be described as 'niedotrzymujący obietnicy', a phrase that uses the verb 'keep' rather than 'break' to describe the failure to fulfill a vow.
- In Polish culture, the phrase słowo honoru is often used alongside obietnica to emphasize that a promise is backed by one's personal honor.
- The Polish language uses the word przysięga for a formal oath, which is much stronger and more legalistic than a standard obietnica.
Examples in context
- Obietnica to za mało.A promise is not enough.This sentence shows how to express that a single obietnica is insufficient.Tatoeba #846255 by zipangu, translation #846228 by CM
- Obietnica to obietnica.A promise is a promise.This sentence uses the repetition of obietnica to express the idea that a promise must be kept.Tatoeba #2178305 by Hikaru, translation #324187 by CK
- Ta obietnica jest dla mnie bardzo ważna.This vow is very important to me.
Example conversation
Paweł and Katarzyna are discussing a serious commitment.
- PawełCzy złożysz mi tę obietnicę?Will you make this vow to me?
- KatarzynaTak, Paweł, obiecuję ci to.Yes, Paweł, I promise you this.
- PawełTwoja obietnica daje mi nadzieję.Your vow gives me hope.
- KatarzynaZawsze dotrzymuję danej obietnicy.I always keep a given vow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promise” translations and entries obietnica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
