To commit oneself to a task or a person through a formal promise.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To promise or pledge oneself to a specific goal.
- To become engaged to be married to someone.
- To accept a responsibility or duty willingly.
Descripción general
'Comprometerse' es un verbo reflexivo derivado de 'comprometer'. Su esencia radica en la vinculación voluntaria de uno mismo hacia una meta, una persona o una causa. Al ser reflexivo, enfatiza que el sujeto toma la iniciativa de atarse a un compromiso. 2) Patrones de uso: Se construye frecuentemente con la preposición 'a' cuando se refiere a realizar una acción (ej. 'me comprometí a estudiar') o 'con' cuando se refiere a personas o entidades (ej. 'se comprometió con su equipo'). Es un verbo que implica madurez y seriedad. 3) Contextos comunes: En el ámbito personal, se usa para hablar de parejas que planean casarse. En el ámbito profesional, se usa para indicar que alguien ha aceptado una tarea o responsabilidad laboral. También es muy común en el discurso político o social, donde se alude a la lealtad hacia valores o proyectos. 4) Comparación con palabras similares: A diferencia de 'prometer', que es una acción puntual de decir que harás algo, 'comprometerse' sugiere una estructura de responsabilidad más profunda y duradera. Mientras que 'obligarse' puede tener una connotación externa (alguien te obliga), 'comprometerse' siempre sugiere una elección interna del sujeto.
Examples
Me comprometo a llegar puntual todos los días.
everydayI commit to arriving on time every day.
La empresa se comprometió a mejorar las condiciones laborales.
formalThe company committed to improving working conditions.
Ellos se comprometieron el mes pasado.
informalThey got engaged last month.
El investigador se comprometió con la búsqueda de la verdad.
academicThe researcher committed himself to the search for truth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Estar comprometido
To be engaged/committed
Comprometerse con el futuro
To commit to the future
Un compromiso serio
A serious commitment
Often Confused With
Comprometer (without the reflexive 'se') means to endanger or to put someone in a difficult position. Comprometerse is strictly about taking on a commitment.
Prometer is a simple promise. Comprometerse implies a deeper level of responsibility and often involves a formal agreement or a change in status.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This verb is highly versatile, moving easily between formal professional settings and intimate personal life. In formal contexts, it implies a contract or a high degree of accountability. When used for marriage, it is the standard and polite term. Always remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun to match the subject.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is forgetting the preposition 'a' before an infinitive verb. Another mistake is using the non-reflexive form 'comprometer' when you mean to talk about your own commitment. Learners also sometimes confuse it with the English 'compromise', leading to misuse in negotiation contexts.
Tips
Use the preposition A for actions
When you commit to doing something, always follow the verb with 'a' plus an infinitive. For example, 'Me comprometí a terminar el informe'.
Don't confuse with compromise
In English, 'compromise' often means to reach a middle ground. In Spanish, 'comprometerse' is about dedication and obligation, not necessarily reaching a deal.
Engagement in Spanish culture
The term 'comprometidos' is the standard way to announce an engagement. It carries significant social weight in most Hispanic countries.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'compromissum', which refers to a mutual promise or an agreement. It combines 'cum' (with) and 'promittere' (to send forth/promise).
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'comprometerse' is a major milestone in a relationship. It is often celebrated with family and implies that the couple has made a firm decision to marry, often preceding the wedding by several months or years.
Memory Tip
Think of 'com-promise'. You are making a promise with (com) yourself to get something done. This dual 'promise' helps you remember it's about a serious pledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo exactamente. Prometer es el acto de decir que harás algo, mientras que comprometerse implica una responsabilidad más formal, duradera y, a menudo, con consecuencias sociales o legales.
Se utiliza la estructura 'comprometerse con'. Por ejemplo: 'Él se comprometió con su novia' significa que se van a casar.
Sí, es muy común. Se usa para indicar que un empleado asume la responsabilidad de completar un proyecto difícil.
Sí, al hablar de adquirir una responsabilidad propia, siempre usamos el pronombre reflexivo (me, te, se, nos, os, se).
Test Yourself
Ella se comprometió ___ estudiar medicina el próximo año.
Después de comprometerse, usamos la preposición 'a' antes de un verbo en infinitivo.
¿Qué significa 'Ellos están comprometidos'?
En el contexto de relaciones personales, estar comprometidos significa que han aceptado casarse.
a / me / trabajar / comprometo / más / duro
Sigue la estructura: Sujeto (implícito) + verbo reflexivo + preposición + infinitivo.
Score: /3
Summary
To commit oneself to a task or a person through a formal promise.
- To promise or pledge oneself to a specific goal.
- To become engaged to be married to someone.
- To accept a responsibility or duty willingly.
Use the preposition A for actions
When you commit to doing something, always follow the verb with 'a' plus an infinitive. For example, 'Me comprometí a terminar el informe'.
Don't confuse with compromise
In English, 'compromise' often means to reach a middle ground. In Spanish, 'comprometerse' is about dedication and obligation, not necessarily reaching a deal.
Engagement in Spanish culture
The term 'comprometidos' is the standard way to announce an engagement. It carries significant social weight in most Hispanic countries.
Examples
4 of 4Me comprometo a llegar puntual todos los días.
I commit to arriving on time every day.
La empresa se comprometió a mejorar las condiciones laborales.
The company committed to improving working conditions.
Ellos se comprometieron el mes pasado.
They got engaged last month.
El investigador se comprometió con la búsqueda de la verdad.
The researcher committed himself to the search for truth.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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abrazarse
B1To hug each other; to embrace mutually.
Abuela
A1Grandmother; a mother of one's parent.
Abuelo
A1Grandfather; a father of one's parent.
abuelo/a
A2The father or mother of one's father or mother.
acariciar
B1To touch or stroke gently or lovingly.
acoger
B1To welcome; to receive into one's home.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2A person aged between 13 and 19 years.
adopción
B1The legal process of taking another's child as one's own; adoption.
adoptado
B1Taken into one's family by legal means; adopted.
