A2 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

वादा करना

waada karna

to make a promise

Literally: {"\u0935\u093e\u0926\u093e":"promise","\u0915\u0930\u0928\u093e":"to do\/to make"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Make a strong commitment with your word.
  • Use `वादा करना` for serious future actions.
  • It's more than 'I'll try'; it's a pledge.
  • Builds trust when you keep your promises.

Meaning

When you `वादा करना` (vaada karna), you're not just saying you'll do something; you're giving your solemn word. It carries a weight of commitment, like a serious pact between people. Think of it as putting your reputation on the line for a future action.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about plans

मैं कल तुम्हें पिक कर लूँगा, वादा रहा!

I'll pick you up tomorrow, promise!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Talking to a child

मैं तुम्हें जन्मदिन पर वह खिलौना दिलाने का वादा करता हूँ।

I promise to get you that toy for your birthday.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>
3

Job interview (Zoom call)

मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट को समय सीमा के अंदर पूरा करने का वादा करता हूँ।

I promise to complete this project within the deadline.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Promises are often sealed with a handshake or a nod.

💡

Remember the 'ka'

When promising an action, always use 'ka' before 'vaada'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Make a strong commitment with your word.
  • Use `वादा करना` for serious future actions.
  • It's more than 'I'll try'; it's a pledge.
  • Builds trust when you keep your promises.

What It Means

This phrase, वादा करना (vaada karna), is your go-to for making a promise in Hindi. It's more than just saying 'I'll try.' It means you are committing yourself to an action. There's a sense of obligation and trust involved. You're telling someone, 'You can count on me for this.' It’s a serious business, but also a fundamental part of building relationships.

How To Use It

You use वादा करना when you want to assure someone of a future action. It's often followed by what you promise to do. For example, 'I promise to help you.' The structure is usually [Subject] [Object] [Promise] का वादा करना or simply [Promise] का वादा करना. It's versatile and can be used in many contexts, from casual chats to formal agreements. Just remember, it implies a strong commitment.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're helping a friend move. You might say, 'मैं तुम्हारी मदद करने का वादा करता हूँ।' (Main tumhari madad karne ka vaada karta hoon.) This means 'I promise to help you.' Or maybe you're late for a Zoom call. You text your boss, 'मैं 5 मिनट में वहाँ होने का वादा करता हूँ।' (Main 5 minute mein wahaan hone ka vaada karta hoon.) – 'I promise to be there in 5 minutes.' See? It's all about future actions you're committing to.

When To Use It

Use वादा करना when you want to be clear and firm about a commitment. This is perfect for assuring family members, friends, or colleagues. It’s great for situations where reliability is key. Think about promising a child you'll buy them a toy. Or promising a client you'll finish a project on time. It adds a layer of seriousness that casual phrases lack. It's like putting a digital stamp of approval on your word.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid वादा करना for very casual, uncertain, or trivial matters. If you're just vaguely thinking you *might* do something, don't use this. Saying 'I promise I'll maybe think about it' sounds ridiculous, right? Also, don't use it for things that are completely out of your control. You can't promise the sun will rise tomorrow – that's just a fact. Stick to things you have direct agency over. It’s not for predicting the weather, unless you're a meteorologist making a professional forecast!

Common Mistakes

A common slip-up is using it for something too trivial. Like promising to blink. That’s silly! Another mistake is mixing it up with simply 'saying' you'll do something. You might say 'मैं आऊँगा' (Main aaunga - I will come), which is a statement of intent. But वादा करना is a stronger commitment.

मैं तुम्हें बाद में कॉल करने का कहूँगा। मैं तुम्हें बाद में कॉल करने का वादा करूँगा।
मैं तुम्हें फिल्म देखने का इरादा रखता हूँ। मैं तुम्हें फिल्म दिखाने का वादा करता हूँ।

Similar Expressions

There are other ways to express commitment, but वादा करना is the most direct for a promise. You could say 'मैं कोशिश करूँगा' (Main koshish karunga - I will try), but that's much weaker. 'मैं पक्का आऊँगा' (Main pakka aaunga - I will definitely come) is also strong, but less formal than a वादा. भरोसा रखना (bharosa rakhna - to trust/have faith) is related, as promises build trust, but it's not the act of promising itself. Think of वादा करना as the official 'pinky swear' of Hindi.

Common Variations

Sometimes, you might hear कसम खाना (kasam khaana), which means 'to swear an oath.' This is even stronger, often invoking God or a sacred entity. It's not something you'd use lightly! For a less formal promise among close friends, you might just say 'पक्का?' (Pakka? - Sure?/Deal!) with a nod. But वादा करना remains the standard, reliable term for a promise.

Memory Trick

💡

Think of वादा (vaada) sounding like 'vow-da'. You make a vow when you promise. And करना (karna) is 'to do'. So, you 'do a vow' or 'make a promise'. Imagine tying a knot (गाँठ - gaath, similar sound!) in a rope to symbolize your promise – you're tying yourself to your word!

Quick FAQ

Q. Is वादा करना formal or informal?

A. It's quite versatile! You can use it in most situations, leaning slightly more formal than just saying 'I'll do it.' It’s safe for professional settings but also fine with friends. It's like the reliable middle-ground.

Q. What if I break a promise?

A. Oh dear! Hindi doesn't have a specific phrase for 'breaking a promise' as a set collocation like English. You'd usually say 'मैंने अपना वादा तोड़ा' (Maine apna vaada toda - I broke my promise) or 'मैं अपना वादा पूरा नहीं कर सका' (Main apna vaada poora nahin kar saka - I couldn't fulfill my promise). It's considered quite bad manners!

Q. Can I use करना with other nouns for promises?

A. Yes! वादा करना is the most common, but you can technically form others. However, वादा is the standard word for 'promise' in this context. Sticking to वादा करना is best for clarity and naturalness. It’s like using 'make a promise' instead of 'do a promise' in English – one just sounds right!

Usage Notes

The phrase `वादा करना` is quite versatile, fitting into most conversational and semi-formal registers. While it implies seriousness, it's not as weighty as swearing an oath (`कसम खाना`). Be mindful that breaking a promise carries significant social weight, so use it judiciously. In very formal or legal contexts, other terms might be preferred, but `वादा करना` is widely understood and accepted.

💡

Remember the 'ka'

When promising an action, always use 'ka' before 'vaada'.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about plans
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

मैं कल तुम्हें पिक कर लूँगा, वादा रहा!

I'll pick you up tomorrow, promise!

Adding `वादा रहा` (vaada raha - promise remains) at the end emphasizes the commitment casually.

#2 Talking to a child
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

मैं तुम्हें जन्मदिन पर वह खिलौना दिलाने का वादा करता हूँ।

I promise to get you that toy for your birthday.

This is a clear, direct promise to a loved one.

#3 Job interview (Zoom call)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट को समय सीमा के अंदर पूरा करने का वादा करता हूँ।

I promise to complete this project within the deadline.

Shows professionalism and commitment in a formal setting.

#4 Social media post (caption)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

नई यात्रा शुरू! इस रोमांचक सफ़र के हर पल को आप तक पहुँचाने का वादा। ✨

Starting a new journey! Promising to bring you every moment of this exciting trip. ✨

Used on Instagram to engage followers with a commitment to share content.

#5 WhatsApp message to a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

चिंता मत करो, मैं तुम्हारे राज़ को किसी को नहीं बताऊँगा, वादा है।

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret, it's a promise.

`वादा है` (vaada hai - it is a promise) is a common, slightly more informal way to seal the deal.

#6 Formal business meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

हम आपको सर्वोत्तम संभव सेवा प्रदान करने का वचन देते हैं।

We pledge to provide you with the best possible service.

While `वचन` (vachan) is used here, `वादा करना` could also fit, showing a slightly more formal commitment.

#7 Humorous promise to a pet
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

मैं वादा करता हूँ कि आज तुम्हें एक्स्ट्रा ट्रीट मिलेगी!

I promise you'll get an extra treat today!

Lighthearted promise, often made in a playful tone.

Mistake: Using 'say' instead of 'promise' Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ मैं तुम्हें कल पैसे वापस देने को कहूँगा। → ✓ मैं तुम्हें कल पैसे वापस देने का वादा करूँगा।

✗ I will say I'll give you money back tomorrow. → ✓ I promise to give you money back tomorrow.

Saying 'कहूँगा' (kahunga - will say) is weak; `वादा करूँगा` (vaada karunga - will promise) is the correct commitment.

Mistake: Vague intention vs. promise Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ मैं शायद तुम्हें पार्टी में मिलूँगा। → ✓ मैं तुमसे पार्टी में मिलने का वादा करता हूँ।

✗ I might meet you at the party. → ✓ I promise to meet you at the party.

Using 'शायद' (shayad - maybe) negates the promise. `वादा करता हूँ` (vaada karta hoon - I promise) makes it definite.

#10 Emotional reassurance
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

तुम अकेले नहीं हो, मैं हमेशा तुम्हारे साथ रहने का वादा करता हूँ।

You are not alone, I promise to always be with you.

A deep emotional commitment, offering comfort and support.

#11 Promising to follow a creator
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

आपके वीडियो बहुत अच्छे हैं! मैं आपके चैनल को सब्सक्राइब करने का वादा करता हूँ।

Your videos are great! I promise to subscribe to your channel.

Used in a YouTube comment to show strong support.

#12 Making a pact with a sibling
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

हम दोनों कभी लड़ाई नहीं करेंगे, ये हमारा वादा है।

We both will never fight, this is our promise.

A mutual agreement, often made between siblings or close friends.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

मैंने कल आने का _____ किया।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: वादा

The phrase is 'वादा करना'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form. Fill Blank A2

मैंने कल आने का _____ किया।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: वादा

The phrase is 'वादा करना'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

It is neutral.

Related Phrases

🔄

वचन देना

synonym

To give a vow

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