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A2 verb #2,200 الأكثر شيوعاً 9 دقيقة للقراءة

promettre

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح promettre في 30 ثانية
الشرح promettre in your Level:
At the A1 level, you use 'promettre' in very simple sentences to show intention. You might say 'Je promets' (I promise) to a friend or teacher. You learn it as a way to say you will do something. The conjugation is a bit tricky because it's irregular, but at this level, you mostly focus on the present tense 'Je promets' and 'Tu promets'. You might not use the 'de' or 'que' structures perfectly yet, but you understand that it means giving your word. It's a useful word for basic social interactions and building trust with your first French-speaking friends. You might see it in simple stories or hear it in cartoons where characters make promises to each other.
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At the A2 level, you start using the full structures of 'promettre'. You learn to say 'promettre de' followed by an infinitive, like 'Je promets de faire mes devoirs'. You also learn the past tense (passé composé) which is 'J'ai promis'. This is important because you often talk about things you promised in the past. You begin to understand that 'promettre' is like 'mettre', so you can conjugate it more easily. You also start to see it used with indirect objects, like 'Je lui promets' (I promise him/her). This level is where you really start to use the word to manage your daily life and responsibilities in French.
At the B1 level, you use 'promettre' to express more complex ideas. You use 'promettre que' with the future tense to talk about what will happen. For example, 'Je te promets que tout se passera bien'. You also start to use the reflexive form 'se promettre' to talk about personal goals, like 'Je me suis promis de voyager plus'. You understand the nuance between 'promettre' and other verbs like 'jurer' or 's'engager'. You can use the verb in professional emails to give deadlines. You also recognize the word in more abstract contexts, like 'Le temps promet d'être beau', where it's not a person making a promise but a situation showing potential.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the B2 level, you master the nuances of 'promettre'. You use it in formal arguments and can discuss the concept of 'une promesse électorale' or 'une promesse de vente' (a sales agreement). You are comfortable with all tenses, including the conditional ('Je te promettrais si je pouvais') and the plus-que-parfait. You understand idiomatic expressions like 'promettre monts et merveilles' (to promise the world). You can use the verb to create stylistic effects in your writing, and you know that after 'promettre que', you use the indicative mood because it's a declaration of fact, not a doubt. You also use the participial adjective 'prometteur' (promising) to describe talents or projects.
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At the C1 level, 'promettre' becomes a tool for subtle communication. You understand its use in classical literature and high-level journalism. You can analyze the weight of a promise in a legal or philosophical context. You use the verb to express irony, such as 'Ça promet !' (That's just great! / This is going to be a disaster!), where the meaning is the opposite of a positive promise. You are aware of the historical etymology and how it relates to other 'mettre' derivatives. Your use of the verb is perfectly integrated with complex pronoun structures and varied registers, from street slang to academic discourse.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'promettre'. You can use it in all its metaphorical and idiomatic glory. You understand the subtle differences between 'promettre', 'faire vœu de', and 'bailler' (in old French contexts). You can write sophisticated essays on the ethics of promising or use the verb in complex legal drafting. You recognize its use in poetry where it might describe the 'promise' of a dawn or a look. You can play with the word's meaning in puns or sophisticated wordplay. For you, 'promettre' is not just a verb but a versatile instrument for expressing the entire spectrum of human commitment and expectation.
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promettre في 30 ثانية

  • Promettre means to promise or give one's word for a future action.
  • It is an irregular verb conjugated like 'mettre' (past participle: promis).
  • Common structures include 'promettre de + infinitive' and 'promettre que + indicative'.
  • It can also mean 'to show signs of' or 'to be promising' in abstract contexts.

The French verb promettre is a foundational pillar of communication, acting as a verbal bridge between the present intention and a future action. At its core, it signifies the act of giving one's word, creating a moral or social obligation to fulfill a specific task or maintain a certain state. Derived from the Latin promittere (pro- 'forward' + mittere 'to send'), it literally suggests 'sending forth' a word or a commitment into the future. In the French linguistic landscape, promettre is more than just a synonym for 'to say'; it carries the weight of reliability and expectation.

Core Definition
To engage oneself to do something or to give something.
Social Nuance
It implies a contract of trust between the speaker and the listener.
Abstract Usage
Can describe signs that suggest a future outcome (e.g., 'The sky promises a storm').

When you use promettre, you are not merely predicting; you are pledging. This distinction is vital for A2 learners who are transitioning from simple descriptions to expressing intentions and interpersonal commitments. Whether it is a child promising to finish their homework or a politician promising reform, the verb remains the same, though the gravity shifts.

"Je te promets que nous irons au parc demain." (I promise you that we will go to the park tomorrow.)

— A common domestic use of the verb.

Furthermore, promettre can be used transitively with a direct object. For example, 'promettre la lune' (to promise the moon) is a common idiom meaning to make unrealistic promises. The verb also exists in the reflexive form, se promettre, which means to resolve to do something or to promise oneself a particular reward or outcome. This internal dialogue highlights the verb's versatility in expressing personal determination.

"Elle lui a promis fidélité." (She promised him loyalty.)

Temporal Aspect
It always points toward the future, even when conjugated in the past.
Grammatical Category
An irregular third-group verb, following the pattern of 'mettre'.

In literature and formal rhetoric, promettre is used to build tension or set expectations. A 'promising' situation (une situation prometteuse) uses the participial adjective form to indicate potential. Understanding this verb allows a learner to navigate the complexities of French social contracts, from the simplest 'Je promets' to the most complex legal engagements.

"Le ciel promet du beau temps pour la fête." (The sky promises beautiful weather for the party.)

Finally, the verb is often paired with indirect objects. You promise something to someone (promettre quelque chose à quelqu'un). This 'à' is crucial for correct syntax. For instance, 'Je promets à Marie de venir' (I promise Marie to come). This structure is a hallmark of intermediate French grammar and mastering it marks a significant step in a student's progress.

"Nous promettons de respecter les règles." (We promise to respect the rules.)

"Ils se sont promis de se revoir." (They promised each other to see each other again.)

Using promettre correctly requires attention to its three primary syntactic structures. Each structure changes how the sentence is built and what information is conveyed. Mastery of these patterns is essential for moving beyond basic A1 French into the more expressive A2 and B1 levels.

1. Promettre [Quelque Chose] à [Quelqu'un]

This is the most direct use. You are promising a noun (an object, a result, a gift) to a person. Note the use of the preposition à before the person.

  • Je promets un cadeau à mon fils. (I promise a gift to my son.)
  • Le patron a promis une augmentation aux employés. (The boss promised a raise to the employees.)
Grammar Tip: When using pronouns, the indirect object pronoun (me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur) comes before the verb.
Je lui promets. (I promise him/her.)

2. Promettre de + [Infinitive]

This structure is used when you promise to perform an action. The preposition de is mandatory before the infinitive verb. This is a very common source of errors for English speakers who might want to omit the 'de'.

  • Il promet de finir le travail. (He promises to finish the work.)
  • Nous promettons de ne pas oublier. (We promise not to forget.)

3. Promettre que + [Clause]

When you want to promise a whole fact or a future event, use que followed by a subject and a verb. Usually, the verb in the que clause is in the future tense or the present tense.

  • Je te promets qu'il viendra. (I promise you that he will come.)
  • Elle promet qu'elle fera attention. (She promises that she will be careful.)

Conjugation Patterns

Promettre is conjugated exactly like mettre. This means the 'tt' is dropped in the singular present forms (je promets, tu promets, il promet) but returns in the plural (nous promettons, vous promettez, ils promettent). In the passé composé, the past participle is promis.

"J'ai promis d'aider ma sœur." (I promised to help my sister.)

In everyday conversation, the phrase 'C'est promis !' is used as a standalone interjection to mean 'It's a promise!' or 'I cross my heart!'. It is a very natural way to end a commitment.

The verb promettre resonates through various layers of French society, from the intimate whispers of a family home to the booming speeches of the Palais de l'Élysée. Understanding these contexts helps a learner choose the right tone and expect the word in specific scenarios.

1. In the Family and Personal Relationships

This is where most learners first encounter the word. It is used for chores, behavior, and emotional commitments. Parents often ask their children: 'Tu me le promets ?' (Do you promise me?).

"Promets-moi de m'appeler quand tu arrives." (Promise me to call me when you arrive.)

2. Political and Public Discourse

In France, political life is heavily centered around les promesses électorales (campaign promises). You will hear journalists asking: 'Peut-on promettre une baisse des impôts ?' (Can we promise a tax cut?). The word here takes on a more formal, often skeptical, tone.

3. Business and Professional Settings

In a professional context, promettre is used for deadlines and deliverables. However, in very formal contracts, verbs like s'engager à (to commit to) might be preferred. Use promettre for verbal agreements between colleagues.

  • Je vous promets un retour d'ici demain. (I promise you a response by tomorrow.)
  • L'entreprise a promis des innovations majeures. (The company promised major innovations.)

4. Media and Weather Forecasts

Metaphorically, promettre is used to describe what the future 'looks like'. A weather reporter might say: 'Le week-end promet d'être ensoleillé' (The weekend promises to be sunny). In film reviews, you might hear: 'Ce film promet d'être un grand succès' (This film promises to be a great success).

"La soirée promet d'être longue." (The evening promises to be long.)

Finally, in literature and songs, promettre is a staple of romantic expression. Johnny Hallyday's famous song 'Je te promets' is a perfect example of the verb used to express deep, poetic commitment.

Even for intermediate learners, promettre presents several linguistic pitfalls. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.

1. Forgetting the Preposition 'De'

The most frequent mistake is following promettre directly with an infinitive, as is often done in English. In French, you must use de.

❌ Incorrect
Je promets venir. (Literal translation of 'I promise to come')
✅ Correct
Je promets de venir.

2. Confusion with 'Permettre'

Because they sound similar and share the same root (mettre), students often swap promettre (to promise) with permettre (to allow/permit). Remember: Pro- is for 'forward' (promise), Per- is for 'through' (permit).

3. Incorrect Past Participle

Since it's an irregular verb, many learners try to regularize it. They might say 'prometté' or 'promu'. The only correct past participle is promis.

  • J'ai promis. (I promised.)
  • C'est une chose promise. (It's a promised thing - note the feminine agreement).

4. Using the Subjunctive

Learners often think that because a promise involves a future uncertainty, they should use the subjunctive after promettre que. However, promettre expresses a declaration of intent, which requires the indicative.

❌ Incorrect
Je promets qu'il vienne. (Subjunctive)
✅ Correct
Je promets qu'il viendra. (Future Indicative)

5. Missing the Indirect Object 'À'

When promising something to someone, the 'à' is essential. You cannot say 'Je promets lui'. It must be 'Je lui promets' (where 'lui' replaces 'à lui').

"Il a promis à son père de réussir." (He promised his father to succeed.)

To truly master promettre, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. French has several ways to express commitment, ranging from casual to legally binding.

Jurer (To Swear)
Much stronger than promettre. It often implies a religious or solemn oath. Use it when you want to emphasize that you are telling the absolute truth or are 100% committed.
'Je te jure que c'est vrai !'
S'engager à (To Commit to)
More formal and professional. It is used in contracts or serious personal resolutions. It implies a formal obligation.
'Je m'engage à terminer ce projet.'
Assurer (To Assure/Guarantee)
Focuses on removing doubt from the listener. It's about giving confidence.
'Je vous assure que tout ira bien.'

"Il s'engage à rembourser ses dettes." (He commits to paying back his debts.)

There is also the verb garantir (to guarantee), which is often used in commercial contexts or when one is certain of a result. While promettre is personal, garantir is often more objective.

Finally, consider convenir (to agree/stipulate). This is used when two parties come to a mutual promise or agreement. Promettre is usually one-way, whereas convenir is reciprocal.

"Nous avons convenu d'un rendez-vous." (We agreed on an appointment.)

How Formal Is It?

دليل النطق

يتقافى مع
ettre

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verbs followed by 'de'

Indirect object pronouns

Future tense formation

Irregular verbs like mettre

Reported speech basics

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أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Je promets.

I promise.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Tu promets ?

Do you promise?

Interrogative form.

3

Il promet un cadeau.

He promises a gift.

Verb + direct object.

4

Nous promettons.

We promise.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Elle promet d'être sage.

She promises to be good.

Promettre de + infinitive.

6

Je te promets.

I promise you.

Use of indirect object pronoun 'te'.

7

C'est promis.

It's a promise.

Fixed expression using the past participle.

8

Ils promettent beaucoup.

They promise a lot.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

1

J'ai promis de venir à huit heures.

I promised to come at eight o'clock.

Passé composé with 'de'.

2

Il lui a promis une glace.

He promised her an ice cream.

Indirect object 'lui'.

3

Nous promettons de faire attention.

We promise to be careful.

Present tense + de + infinitive.

4

Est-ce que tu as promis à Marie ?

Did you promise Marie?

Passé composé with 'à'.

5

Je ne promets rien.

I promise nothing.

Negative form with 'rien'.

6

Vous promettez de m'aider ?

Do you promise to help me?

Question with 'vous'.

7

Elle a promis qu'elle viendrait.

She promised that she would come.

Promettre que + conditional (reported speech).

8

Ils ont promis de ne pas crier.

They promised not to shout.

Negative infinitive 'ne pas crier'.

1

Je te promets que tout ira bien.

I promise you that everything will be fine.

Promettre que + future tense.

2

Le ciel promet un bel orage.

The sky promises a beautiful storm.

Metaphorical use for weather.

3

Elle s'est promis de réussir son examen.

She promised herself to pass her exam.

Reflexive form 'se promettre'.

4

Nous avions promis de les appeler.

We had promised to call them.

Plus-que-parfait tense.

5

Ce nouveau projet promet beaucoup.

This new project promises a lot.

Intransitive use meaning 'has potential'.

6

Il m'a promis qu'il ne recommencerait plus.

He promised me that he wouldn't do it again.

Negative future in a 'que' clause.

7

Vous aviez promis, vous devez le faire.

You had promised, you must do it.

Past tense indicating obligation.

8

Je me promets une bonne soirée.

I'm looking forward to a good evening (promising myself).

Reflexive use for anticipation.

1

Le candidat promet monts et merveilles.

The candidate promises the world.

Idiomatic expression.

2

Cette situation promet d'être complexe.

This situation promises to be complex.

Abstract subject + promet de + infinitive.

3

Il a promis fidélité à son pays.

He promised loyalty to his country.

Formal direct object.

4

Elle ne promet que ce qu'elle peut tenir.

She only promises what she can keep.

Restrictive 'ne... que'.

5

Le film est très prometteur.

The film is very promising.

Adjective form 'prometteur'.

6

Je vous promets une réponse rapide.

I promise you a quick response.

Professional register.

7

Ils se sont promis de ne jamais se quitter.

They promised each other never to leave each other.

Reciprocal reflexive.

8

Ça promet pour la suite !

That bodes well (or ill) for what's next!

Idiomatic, often ironic use.

1

L'avenir nous promet de grands défis.

The future holds (promises) great challenges for us.

Abstract personification.

2

Il s'est vu promettre un poste de direction.

He was promised a management position.

Passive-like reflexive structure.

3

La plume de cet auteur promet un chef-d'œuvre.

This author's writing style promises a masterpiece.

Metonymy (the pen for the writer).

4

On ne peut promettre l'impossible.

One cannot promise the impossible.

Philosophical statement.

5

Sa mine renfrognée ne promettait rien de bon.

His scowling face didn't bode well.

Idiom 'ne rien promettre de bon'.

6

Elle a promis, sous serment, de dire la vérité.

She promised, under oath, to tell the truth.

Formal legal context.

7

Le traité promet une paix durable.

The treaty promises a lasting peace.

Political/Historical context.

8

Je ne saurais vous promettre un succès total.

I couldn't promise you total success.

Use of 'ne saurais' for polite doubt.

1

L'aube promettait une journée radieuse.

The dawn gave promise of a radiant day.

Literary description.

2

Il a promis sa main à la fille du roi.

He promised his hand to the king's daughter.

Archaic/Romantic expression.

3

La conjoncture actuelle ne promet guère de croissance.

The current economic situation hardly promises growth.

Formal 'guère' negation.

4

Elle s'est promise à un destin hors du commun.

She destined herself (promised herself) to an extraordinary fate.

Existential reflexive use.

5

Promettre et tenir sont deux.

Promising and keeping are two different things.

Proverbial expression.

6

Ce vin promet de s'améliorer avec l'âge.

This wine promises to improve with age.

Oenological context.

7

L'accord promettait monts et merveilles, mais n'aboutit à rien.

The agreement promised the world but led to nothing.

Contrast between promise and reality.

8

Il lui promit, d'un ton sans réplique, qu'il reviendrait.

He promised her, in a tone that brooked no argument, that he would return.

Narrative past simple (passé simple).

المرادفات

jurer s'engager assurer garantir certifier convenir vouer attester

الأضداد

refuser nier rompre trahir

تلازمات شائعة

promettre fidélité
promettre la lune
promettre monts et merveilles
promettre solennellement
promettre de l'aide
promettre une récompense
promettre le secret
promettre une amélioration
promettre de revenir
promettre d'essayer

العبارات الشائعة

Je te le promets.
C'est promis !
Promis, juré !
Chose promise, chose due.
Je ne promets rien.
Il promet beaucoup.
Tu me promets ?
On s'était promis.
Ça promet !
Tenir sa promesse.

يُخلط عادةً مع

promettre vs permettre (to allow)

promettre vs compromettre (to compromise)

promettre vs soumettre (to submit)

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Promettre monts et merveilles"
"Promettre la lune"
"Promettre plus de beurre que de pain"
"Chose promise, chose due"
"Ça promet !"
"Promettre le Pérou"
"Promettre comme un arracheur de dents"
"Se promettre de"
"Promettre monts et vaux"
"La terre promise"

سهل الخلط

promettre vs permettre

Permettre means to give permission; promettre means to give your word.

promettre vs jurer

Jurer is more intense/solemn than promettre.

promettre vs assurer

Assurer focuses on the certainty of the listener.

أنماط الجُمل

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كيفية الاستخدام

tense

Usually followed by future or present after 'que'.

reflexive

'Se promettre' can mean to intend to do something or to promise each other.

preposition

Always 'promettre à quelqu'un'.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Saying 'Je promets Marie' instead of 'Je promets à Marie'.
  • Using 'promu' instead of 'promis' as the past participle.
  • Forgetting the 'de' in 'promettre de faire'.
  • Using the subjunctive after 'promettre que'.
  • Confusing 'promettre' with 'permettre' (to allow).

نصائح

The 'De' Rule

Never forget the 'de' when an infinitive follows 'promettre'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

Silent S

In 'je promets' and 'tu promets', the final 's' is silent. The word sounds like 'pro-mè'.

Word Family

Learn 'promesse' (noun) and 'promis' (past participle) together to build your vocabulary faster.

Sarcasm Alert

Be careful with 'Ça promet !'. If someone drops a cake, saying 'Ça promet' means 'This is going to be a disaster'.

Formal Letters

In professional contexts, use 'Je vous promets de faire le nécessaire' to sound reliable.

Proverb

Remember 'Chose promise, chose due' to sound like a native when reminding someone of a promise.

Mettre Pattern

If you know how to conjugate 'mettre', you know 'promettre', 'permettre', and 'admettre'.

Pinky Promise

While 'promis' is enough, children often say 'Promis, juré, craché !' (Promise, sworn, spat!).

Que vs De

Train your ear to hear if a subject follows (que) or a verb follows (de).

Daily Goal

Try to make one promise in French today, even if it's just 'Je promets de manger une pomme'.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

Latin 'promittere'

السياق الثقافي

'Une promesse de vente' is a preliminary contract in real estate.

'Ça promet !' is often used sarcastically when something starts badly.

It is better not to promise than to promise and not deliver.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"Qu'est-ce que tu t'es promis de faire cette année ?"

"Est-ce que tu tiens toujours tes promesses ?"

"Quelle est la plus belle promesse qu'on t'ait faite ?"

"Peut-on tout promettre par amour ?"

"Que penses-tu des promesses des politiciens ?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Écris sur une promesse que tu as tenue.

Décris une situation qui 'promet' d'être intéressante.

Fais une liste de promesses à toi-même pour le futur.

Pourquoi est-il important de ne pas promettre l'impossible ?

Raconte une histoire qui commence par 'Je te promets que...'

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, it is an irregular verb of the third group, conjugated like 'mettre'.

Use 'à' for the person (promettre à Marie) and 'de' for the action (promettre de venir).

No, you should use the indicative: 'Je promets que tu seras là'.

The past participle is 'promis'.

It usually means 'This is going to be something!' often in a sarcastic or negative way.

You use the reflexive form: 'Je me promets'.

Yes, it is the adjective form meaning 'promising'.

Yes, e.g., 'Le ciel promet de l'orage'.

S'engager is more formal and implies a stronger, often written, commitment.

Yes, it is very common in daily conversation to reassure someone.

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/ 180 correct

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