comprometido في 30 ثانية
- Comprometido means 'engaged' to be married in romantic contexts.
- It translates to 'committed' or 'dedicated' in professional and social settings.
- In risky situations, it means 'awkward,' 'tricky,' or 'compromising.'
- Always use the preposition 'con' when saying you are committed 'to' something.
The Spanish word comprometido is a versatile adjective that English speakers often encounter early in their journey, yet its depth and variety of meanings can be surprising. At its core, it describes a state of being bound to something—whether that is a person, a cause, a task, or even a difficult situation. Understanding this word requires looking at it through three distinct lenses: personal relationships, social or professional dedication, and situational risk.
- Romantic Context
- In the realm of love, comprometido is the standard term for 'engaged' to be married. It signifies that a formal promise has been made. However, it can also simply mean 'in a committed relationship' depending on the context of the conversation.
Juan y María están comprometidos desde el verano pasado y se casarán en mayo.
- Professional and Social Dedication
- When used to describe a person's character or work ethic, it translates to 'committed' or 'dedicated.' A ciudadano comprometido is a committed citizen who takes an active role in their community. In a workplace, a trabajador comprometido is one who is fully engaged with the company's goals.
- Situational Risk
- This is where learners often get tripped up. Comprometido can also mean 'awkward,' 'risky,' or 'compromising.' If you are in a situación comprometida, you are in a spot where your reputation or safety might be at risk, or where you feel significantly embarrassed.
Me hiciste una pregunta muy comprometida delante de mi jefe.
Culturally, the word carries a heavy weight of responsibility. In Spanish-speaking societies, being comprometido with one's family or community is a highly valued trait. It implies that you are reliable and that your word holds value. Whether you are talking about a political activist committed to social justice or a couple preparing for a wedding, the underlying theme is the binding nature of a promise or a duty. This word is essential for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between basic descriptions of status and more complex discussions about values and social dynamics. It is frequently heard in news broadcasts regarding political 'compromisos' (commitments/promises) and in daily life when discussing future plans or moral dilemmas.
Using comprometido correctly requires attention to gender, number, and the prepositions that follow it. Because it is an adjective derived from a past participle, it must always agree with the noun it modifies.
- Agreement Rules
- If you are talking about a woman, use comprometida. For a group of people, use comprometidos or comprometidas. For example: 'Ellas están muy comprometidas con el proyecto.'
Nuestra empresa está comprometida con el medio ambiente.
- The Preposition 'Con'
- When you want to say you are committed 'to' something, Spanish uses the preposition con (with). This is a major point of confusion for English speakers who want to use 'a'. Remember: Comprometido con.
El actor está comprometido con varias causas benéficas.
- Describing Situations
- When describing a situation as 'comprometida', it usually comes after the noun. 'Una situación comprometida' (A compromising situation). Here, it acts as a qualifier for the difficulty or risk involved.
Se encontró en una posición comprometida cuando su ex apareció en la fiesta.
In more advanced usage, you might see it in passive constructions like 'Se ha comprometido a pagar la deuda' (He has committed himself to paying the debt). In this case, 'comprometido' functions as the past participle of the pronominal verb 'comprometerse'. However, as an adjective, its most frequent appearances are with the verb 'estar' to indicate a status or with 'ser' to indicate a character trait. Understanding these nuances allows you to express complex ideas about loyalty, obligation, and social risk with precision.
You will encounter comprometido in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, from the most intimate conversations to national news broadcasts. Its multi-faceted nature makes it a staple of the Spanish language.
- At Social Gatherings
- The most common use you'll hear among friends is regarding relationships. If someone asks, '¿Está comprometido?', they are asking if the person is engaged or 'taken.' It’s the go-to word for announcing a wedding engagement.
¡Mira el anillo! ¡Estamos comprometidos!
- In the News and Politics
- Journalists often use comprometido to describe political activists or 'artistas comprometidos' (socially conscious artists). It implies that the person uses their platform to fight for a cause. You might also hear about 'documentos comprometidos'—incriminating or sensitive documents that could cause a scandal.
- In Business and Workplace
- Employers look for 'empleados comprometidos.' In this context, it doesn't mean they are getting married; it means they are loyal and hardworking. It’s a key word in performance reviews and LinkedIn profiles.
Buscamos a alguien comprometido con la excelencia y el trabajo en equipo.
Furthermore, in literature and cinema, a character might find themselves in a 'situación comprometida'—a plot device where they are caught doing something they shouldn't, or where they must make a difficult moral choice. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Madrid, watching a telenovela in Mexico, or attending a business meeting in Buenos Aires, this word will appear frequently, signaling either a deep bond or a significant risk.
Even advanced learners make mistakes with comprometido due to its multiple meanings and its status as a partial false friend with the English word 'compromise'.
- The 'Compromise' Confusion
- In English, 'to compromise' often means to reach an agreement by making concessions. In Spanish, comprometido does NOT mean 'reached an agreement'. For an agreement, use 'llegar a un acuerdo'. Using 'comprometido' to mean 'we compromised on the price' is a common error.
Incorrect: Estamos comprometidos en el precio (meaning we agreed on a middle price). Correct: Hemos llegado a un acuerdo sobre el precio.
- Preposition Errors
- As mentioned before, English speakers instinctively want to say 'comprometido a' (committed to). While 'comprometerse a + verb' is correct for actions, when using the adjective with a noun, you MUST use 'con'.
- Gender Agreement Neglect
- Because 'comprometido' ends in -o, it is easy to forget to change it to -a for feminine nouns. This is especially important when referring to yourself if you are female. 'Estoy comprometida' is essential for clarity.
La periodista está muy comprometida con la verdad.
Another subtle mistake is using 'comprometido' when you simply mean 'busy'. In English, you might say 'I am committed this afternoon,' meaning you have plans. In Spanish, you would say 'Estoy ocupado' or 'Tengo un compromiso' (noun). Saying 'Estoy comprometido' this afternoon might make your Spanish friends think you are getting married at 3:00 PM!
To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know synonyms and related terms that can replace comprometido depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
- Dedicado vs. Comprometido
- Dedicado (Dedicated) is very similar but slightly softer. It focuses on the time and effort spent. Comprometido implies a deeper moral or formal obligation.
Es un profesor muy dedicado (He spends a lot of time helping). vs Es un profesor muy comprometido (He is morally invested in his students' future).
- Entregado
- This means 'devoted' or 'completely given over to'. It is stronger than 'comprometido' and often used in romantic or religious contexts. 'Está entregado a su fe.'
- Arriesgado / Delicado
- When using 'comprometido' to mean 'risky', alternatives include arriesgado (risky) or delicado (delicate/tricky). If a situation is socially awkward, incómodo is often the better choice.
Es un asunto muy delicado (It's a very delicate/tricky matter).
Finally, for 'engaged' (marriage), there isn't a direct synonym that is as common, but you might hear 'prometido' (fiancé/promised). However, 'estar comprometido' remains the most natural way to describe the state of being engaged in modern Spanish. Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives allows you to fine-tune your descriptions and avoid repetitive language.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The English word 'compromise' and Spanish 'compromiso' share the same root but have drifted in meaning; the English word focuses on the agreement, while the Spanish word focuses on the obligation.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
- Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., the first or last).
- Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Spanish tap.
- Mixing up the gender (saying -o for a female).
- Pronouncing 'com' like 'come' instead of 'kom'.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize in text due to English cognate 'compromise'.
Requires correct preposition 'con' and gender/number agreement.
Long word, requires practice for fluid pronunciation.
Must distinguish between 'engaged' and 'risky' based on context.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Adjective-Noun Agreement
Las mujeres comprometidas.
Prepositional Verbs (Comprometerse a)
Se comprometió a venir.
Ser vs Estar with Adjectives
Es comprometido (trait) vs Está comprometido (state).
Past Participle as Adjective
Un hombre comprometido.
Passive Voice with Ser
Fue comprometido por sus socios.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Yo estoy comprometido.
I am engaged.
Masculine singular.
¿Estás comprometida?
Are you engaged?
Feminine singular question.
Mi hermano está comprometido.
My brother is engaged.
Subject-adjective agreement.
Ellos están comprometidos.
They are engaged.
Masculine plural.
María está comprometida con Juan.
Maria is engaged to Juan.
Use of 'con' for 'to'.
Nosotros estamos comprometidos.
We are engaged.
First person plural.
Ella no está comprometida.
She is not engaged.
Negative sentence.
¿Quién está comprometido?
Who is engaged?
Interrogative pronoun.
Estoy comprometido con mi tarea.
I am committed to my homework.
Commitment to a task.
Ella es una estudiante comprometida.
She is a committed student.
Using 'ser' for a trait.
Estamos comprometidos con el equipo.
We are committed to the team.
Plural agreement.
Juan está comprometido con su nuevo trabajo.
Juan is committed to his new job.
Preposition 'con'.
Son personas muy comprometidas.
They are very committed people.
Adjective modifying a noun.
No estoy comprometido con ese plan.
I am not committed to that plan.
Negation with 'con'.
Mi familia está comprometida con la salud.
My family is committed to health.
Group noun agreement.
¿Estás comprometido con el proyecto?
Are you committed to the project?
Question about work.
Es un ciudadano comprometido con su comunidad.
He is a citizen committed to his community.
Social commitment.
Me metiste en una situación comprometida.
You put me in an awkward situation.
Situational meaning.
La empresa está comprometida con la ecología.
The company is committed to ecology.
Corporate responsibility.
Es un actor muy comprometido socialmente.
He is a very socially committed actor.
Adverbial modification.
Tengo un horario muy comprometido hoy.
I have a very full/committed schedule today.
Meaning 'busy/full'.
Ella siempre ha sido una mujer comprometida.
She has always been a committed woman.
Present perfect with 'ser'.
No quiero estar en una posición comprometida.
I don't want to be in a compromising position.
Abstract position.
Estamos comprometidos a mejorar el servicio.
We are committed to improving the service.
Comprometido a + infinitive.
El gobierno está comprometido con el tratado de paz.
The government is committed to the peace treaty.
Formal political use.
Se hallaron documentos comprometidos en su oficina.
Incriminating documents were found in his office.
Meaning 'incriminating'.
Su reputación quedó comprometida tras el escándalo.
His reputation was compromised after the scandal.
Resultative state.
Es un autor comprometido con la realidad de su país.
He is an author committed to the reality of his country.
Intellectual commitment.
La seguridad del sistema está comprometida.
The system's security is compromised.
Technical/Security context.
Estamos comprometidos con la defensa de los derechos humanos.
We are committed to the defense of human rights.
Standard formal phrase.
Fue una respuesta muy comprometida por su parte.
It was a very risky/tricky answer on his part.
Qualifying a response.
El presupuesto está seriamente comprometido.
The budget is seriously compromised/at risk.
Financial context.
Su silencio lo sitúa en una posición comprometida.
His silence puts him in a compromising position.
Nuanced situational use.
El intelectual debe ser un sujeto comprometido.
The intellectual must be a committed subject.
Academic/Philosophical register.
La viabilidad del proyecto se ve comprometida.
The project's viability is being compromised.
Passive/Resultative.
Es una obra de teatro con un mensaje comprometido.
It is a play with a committed (socially conscious) message.
Artistic criticism.
El testigo dio una declaración bastante comprometida.
The witness gave a rather incriminating/risky statement.
Legal nuance.
Su salud está comprometida debido a la infección.
His health is compromised due to the infection.
Medical context.
No debemos adoptar posturas tan comprometidas.
We shouldn't adopt such risky/extreme stances.
Abstract stances.
La integridad territorial está comprometida.
Territorial integrity is compromised.
Geopolitical context.
La arquitectura del sistema está intrínsecamente comprometida.
The system's architecture is intrinsically compromised.
Technical high-level.
Su ética profesional se vio comprometida por intereses espurios.
His professional ethics were compromised by spurious interests.
Advanced ethical discourse.
El equilibrio ecológico de la zona está gravemente comprometido.
The ecological balance of the area is gravely compromised.
Scientific/Environmental register.
Aceptó el cargo en una coyuntura política muy comprometida.
He accepted the position at a very tricky political juncture.
Complex noun-adjective pairing.
La solvencia de la entidad financiera está comprometida.
The financial entity's solvency is compromised.
Economic terminology.
Es un cineasta cuyo lenguaje siempre es comprometido.
He is a filmmaker whose language is always committed.
Metaphorical/Artistic use.
La neutralidad del juez quedó comprometida.
The judge's neutrality was compromised.
Legal/Institutional context.
Sus palabras reflejan un pensamiento profundamente comprometido.
His words reflect a deeply committed thought process.
Abstract intellectualism.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— To be deeply involved or committed to something, often a problem.
Está comprometido hasta las cejas en ese negocio.
— A vote that is already decided or promised to a candidate.
Tienen el voto comprometido de los sindicatos.
— To have given one's word or promise.
Ya tengo mi palabra comprometida con ellos.
— Being in a spot where you lack freedom of action or are at risk.
Su posición es comprometida.
— An awkward or significant silence.
Hubo un silencio comprometido en la sala.
— Dedicated to a specific social or political movement.
Siempre estuvo comprometido con la causa.
— A tricky or sensitive matter.
Es un asunto comprometido del que no quiero hablar.
— To be legally bound by a contract.
Estoy comprometido por contrato a terminarlo.
— Money that has already been allocated or spent.
El presupuesto ya está comprometido.
يُخلط عادةً مع
This is the noun; 'comprometido' is the adjective.
English 'compromise' (agreement) is 'acuerdo' in Spanish.
Don't use 'comprometido' to mean you have a busy schedule unless it's formal.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To get into a complicated or awkward situation.
Se metió en un jardín comprometido con sus mentiras.
Informal— To be unable to speak freely due to a promise or secret.
No puedo decir nada, tengo la lengua comprometida.
Colloquial— A classic idiom often used when one is in a 'situación comprometida'.
Estoy entre la espada y la pared.
General— To commit oneself by giving one's word.
Empeñó su palabra y ahora debe cumplir.
Formal— To prepare oneself for a 'comprometida' or difficult situation.
Átate los machos, que viene el jefe.
Informal— To put someone in a 'situación comprometida'.
Me pusiste en un aprieto.
General— To get out of a 'situación comprometida' briefly or barely.
Salió del paso como pudo.
General— To avoid being 'comprometido' or taking a stand.
Él nunca se moja en las reuniones.
Informal— To be in a 'situación comprometida' due to risky behavior.
Estás jugando con fuego.
Generalسهل الخلط
Both relate to engagement.
Prometido is the noun (fiancé), while comprometido is the adjective (engaged).
Él es mi prometido; estamos comprometidos.
Both mean committed to a task.
Dedicado implies effort; comprometido implies a moral bond or obligation.
Soy dedicado al piano, pero estoy comprometido con mi religión.
Both can mean risky.
Arriesgado is generally about physical or financial danger; comprometido is about awkwardness or reputation.
Es un salto arriesgado, pero es una pregunta comprometida.
Both mean devoted.
Entregado is more emotional and total; comprometido is more formal or social.
Está entregado a su arte.
Both imply a lack of choice.
Obligado is forced; comprometido can be voluntary (like a marriage).
Estoy obligado por ley.
أنماط الجُمل
[Subject] + estar + comprometido/a.
Yo estoy comprometida.
[Subject] + estar + comprometido/a + con + [Noun].
Él está comprometido con su equipo.
Una situación + comprometida.
Fue una situación comprometida.
[Subject] + ser + un/una + [Noun] + comprometido/a.
Es una ciudadana comprometida.
Quedar + comprometido/a.
Su honor quedó comprometido.
[Subject] + se ha + comprometido + a + [Infinitive].
Se ha comprometido a pagar.
Ver(se) + comprometido/a + por + [Noun].
Se vio comprometido por las pruebas.
[Abstract Noun] + estar + gravemente + comprometido/a.
La estabilidad está gravemente comprometida.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High (common in daily life, news, and business)
-
Estoy comprometido a la causa.
→
Estoy comprometido con la causa.
In Spanish, the adjective 'comprometido' takes the preposition 'con' before a noun.
-
Hicimos un comprometido.
→
Llegamos a un acuerdo.
'Comprometido' is an adjective, not a noun for 'agreement'.
-
Ella está comprometido.
→
Ella está comprometida.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the subject.
-
Tengo mucho comprometido hoy.
→
Tengo muchos compromisos hoy.
Use the noun 'compromiso' for appointments or obligations.
-
El sistema es comprometido.
→
El sistema está comprometido.
Use 'estar' to indicate the state of being compromised.
نصائح
Gender Agreement
Always match 'comprometido' with the gender and number of the subject. 'Ellas están comprometidas'.
False Friend Alert
Don't use it for 'reaching a compromise'. Use 'llegar a un acuerdo' for that.
Social Activism
In Spain and Latin America, calling someone 'comprometido' often implies they are socially active or left-leaning.
Soft 'D'
The 'd' in 'comprometido' is soft. Don't make it sound like a hard English 'D'.
Context is King
If you hear it at a wedding, it's 'engaged'. In a bank, it's 'allocated funds'.
The 'Con' Rule
Always write 'comprometido con' when followed by a noun.
Engagement
To say 'I got engaged', use the verb: 'Me comprometí'.
Resumes
Use 'comprometido con los resultados' on your CV to show you are results-oriented.
Security
Use it to describe 'compromised' passwords or data in IT contexts.
Com-Promise
Remember: A commitment is a promise you keep 'with' (con) you.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Com-Promise': You have a 'Promise' that you are 'Com' (with). If you are 'with a promise', you are committed!
ربط بصري
Imagine two hands shaking (commitment) or a ring on a finger (engagement).
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use 'comprometido' in three different ways today: once for a relationship, once for a task, and once for a tricky situation.
أصل الكلمة
From the Latin 'compromittere', which is a combination of 'com-' (together) and 'promittere' (to promise).
المعنى الأصلي: Originally meant to make a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter.
Romance (Latin root).السياق الثقافي
Be careful when using it to mean 'risky' or 'incriminating'; it can be a strong accusation in a professional setting.
English speakers often use 'committed' for mental health facilities ('he was committed'), but in Spanish, 'comprometido' is never used this way (use 'ingresado').
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Weddings
- Anillo de compromiso
- Estamos comprometidos
- Fiesta de compromiso
- Prometido/a
Business
- Empleado comprometido
- Compromiso con el cliente
- Presupuesto comprometido
- Plazos comprometidos
Politics
- Político comprometido
- Comprometido con el cambio
- Causa comprometida
- Voto comprometido
Security
- Información comprometida
- Seguridad comprometida
- Situación comprometida
- Datos comprometidos
Health
- Salud comprometida
- Órgano comprometido
- Estado comprometido
- Vida comprometida
بدايات محادثة
"¿Estás comprometido con algún proyecto especial este mes?"
"¿Qué significa para ti ser una persona comprometida?"
"¿Alguna vez has estado en una situación comprometida en el trabajo?"
"¿Crees que es importante que los artistas sean comprometidos socialmente?"
"¿A qué edad es común estar comprometido en matrimonio en tu país?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Describe un momento en el que te sentiste muy comprometido con una causa.
Escribe sobre una situación comprometida que viviste y cómo saliste de ella.
¿Cuáles son los valores con los que estás más comprometido en tu vida?
Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre estar 'dedicado' y estar 'comprometido'.
Imagina que estás comprometido para casarte. Describe los preparativos.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it only means engaged in romantic contexts. It can also mean dedicated to a cause or that a situation is risky.
No, you should say 'Estoy comprometido CON mi trabajo'. The preposition 'con' is required for nouns.
The feminine form is 'comprometida'.
Partially. It doesn't mean 'a middle-ground agreement' (that's 'acuerdo'). But it does mean 'compromised' in terms of security.
Use the noun: 'Tengo un compromiso'.
Usually 'estar' for a state (engaged/committed). 'Ser' is used for a character trait (being a committed person).
Yes, like 'una situación comprometida' (an awkward situation) or 'un presupuesto comprometido' (a spent budget).
It refers to literature that deals with social or political issues.
Not really, but 'estar comprometido hasta las cejas' is a common colloquial idiom.
Yes, 'su salud está comprometida' means their health is at risk or in a critical state.
اختبر نفسك 98 أسئلة
Translate: 'I am engaged to my girlfriend'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She is a committed student'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Estamos comprometidos con el proyecto'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen (Text): 'La policía encontró fotos comprometidas'. What kind of photos?
/ 98 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'comprometido' is a multi-purpose adjective that changes meaning based on context: from a happy wedding engagement to a serious social cause or a risky situational trap. Example: 'Estoy comprometido con mi trabajo' (I am committed to my work).
- Comprometido means 'engaged' to be married in romantic contexts.
- It translates to 'committed' or 'dedicated' in professional and social settings.
- In risky situations, it means 'awkward,' 'tricky,' or 'compromising.'
- Always use the preposition 'con' when saying you are committed 'to' something.
Gender Agreement
Always match 'comprometido' with the gender and number of the subject. 'Ellas están comprometidas'.
False Friend Alert
Don't use it for 'reaching a compromise'. Use 'llegar a un acuerdo' for that.
Social Activism
In Spain and Latin America, calling someone 'comprometido' often implies they are socially active or left-leaning.
Soft 'D'
The 'd' in 'comprometido' is soft. Don't make it sound like a hard English 'D'.
مثال
Está comprometido con su trabajo y siempre lo da todo.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات family
abrazarse
B1يعانق كل منهما الآخر؛ يحتضن كل منهما الآخر. يصف عندما يعانق شخصان أو أكثر بعضهما البعض في نفس الوقت. عانق الأصدقاء بعضهم البعض.
Abuela
A1جدتي (abuela) تحبني كثيراً.
Abuelo
A1والد والدك أو والدتك. جدي يحب أن يقرأ الصحيفة كل صباح في الحديقة.
abuelo/a
A2الجد أو الجدة. جدي يسكن في مدريد.
acariciar
B1لمس أو تربيت بلطف وحنان، مع المودة. مثال: هي تربت على قطتها؛ النسيم يداعب وجهها.
acoger
B1استقبال شخص ما بحفاوة أو إيوائه.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2المراهق هو شخص في مرحلة الانتقال من الطفولة إلى البلوغ.
adopción
B1التبني هو العملية القانونية لاعتبار طفل شخص آخر كابن لك.
adoptado
B1يعني 'متبنى' أنه تم أخذه قانونيًا إلى عائلة. يصف شخصًا ليس طفلاً بيولوجيًا ولكنه أصبح فردًا قانونيًا في عائلة. 'متبنى' تصف شخصًا أو حيوانًا تم قبوله قانونيًا من قبل عائلة جديدة.
