Meaning
To take on a responsibility or obligation.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'seriedad' (seriousness) is a highly valued trait in business. 'Asumir un compromiso' is the linguistic marker of a 'persona seria'—someone who can be trusted with high-level tasks. In Mexican business culture, personal relationships (compadrazgo) are vital. 'Asumir un compromiso' often involves a personal pledge to a leader or a family member, not just a faceless corporation. Argentines often use 'compromiso' in political and social activism (militancia). 'Asumir un compromiso social' is a common phrase for young people joining social movements. Colombian etiquette is very formal. Using 'asumir un compromiso' in service industries (like banking or law) is expected to show respect and dedication to the client.
The 'Interview' Winner
Use this phrase when asked about your weaknesses. 'Mi debilidad es que a veces asumo demasiados compromisos porque quiero ayudar a todos'.
False Friend Alert
Remember: 'Compromiso' is NOT 'Compromise' (finding a middle ground). It is 'Commitment' (a promise).
Meaning
To take on a responsibility or obligation.
The 'Interview' Winner
Use this phrase when asked about your weaknesses. 'Mi debilidad es que a veces asumo demasiados compromisos porque quiero ayudar a todos'.
False Friend Alert
Remember: 'Compromiso' is NOT 'Compromise' (finding a middle ground). It is 'Commitment' (a promise).
The Polite No
If you want to say no to an invitation without being rude, just say: 'Me encantaría, pero ya tengo un compromiso'.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'asumir'.
El nuevo director ________ un compromiso con la transparencia el mes pasado.
The phrase 'el mes pasado' indicates a completed action in the past, requiring the preterite 'asumió'.
Selecciona la opción más adecuada para un contexto profesional.
En la entrevista, dije que quería...
This is the most formal and professional way to express dedication in a business setting.
Empareja el tipo de compromiso con su contexto más probable.
Empareja las columnas:
Each adjective modifies 'compromiso' to fit a specific sphere of life.
Completa el diálogo con la frase correcta.
Jefe: Necesito a alguien que se encargue de este cliente difícil. Empleado: No se preocupe, jefe. Yo...
'Asumo el compromiso' shows the employee is taking full responsibility for the outcome.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Compromiso vs. Promesa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl nuevo director ________ un compromiso con la transparencia el mes pasado.
The phrase 'el mes pasado' indicates a completed action in the past, requiring the preterite 'asumió'.
En la entrevista, dije que quería...
This is the most formal and professional way to express dedication in a business setting.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each adjective modifies 'compromiso' to fit a specific sphere of life.
Jefe: Necesito a alguien que se encargue de este cliente difícil. Empleado: No se preocupe, jefe. Yo...
'Asumo el compromiso' shows the employee is taking full responsibility for the outcome.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Hacer una promesa' is more casual and personal. 'Asumir un compromiso' is more formal and implies a weight of responsibility, often in professional or social contexts.
Yes, 'estar comprometido' means to be engaged to be married. 'Asumir un compromiso' can describe the act of deciding to be serious with a partner.
Native speakers will understand you, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Asumir' is the natural partner for 'compromiso' in Spanish.
It is mostly formal or neutral. In very casual settings with friends, it might sound a bit too serious.
You could say 'eludir un compromiso' (to avoid/evade a commitment) or 'romper un compromiso' (to break a commitment).
Yes, it is very common in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports and public statements.
Usually 'con' (with). For example: 'Asumir un compromiso con la calidad'.
Usually, but 'poner a alguien en un compromiso' means to put them in an awkward spot, which is negative.
You can say 'Estoy comprometido/a' or 'He asumido un compromiso'.
It's better to save it for things that actually matter. Using it for 'I'll bring the napkins' is overkill.
Related Phrases
Poner en un compromiso
similarTo put someone in an awkward or difficult situation.
Sin compromiso
contrastNo strings attached / No obligation.
Comprometerse a fondo
builds onTo commit oneself deeply/thoroughly.
Cumplir un compromiso
builds onTo fulfill a commitment.
