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A2 noun #2,500 mais comum 6 min de leitura

promesse

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas promesse em 30 segundos
Explicação promesse in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 'promesse' as the word for 'promise'. You will mostly use it with the verb 'faire' (to make). It is important to remember it is a feminine word: 'une promesse'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'C'est une promesse' (It is a promise) or 'Je fais une promesse' (I make a promise). At this stage, focus on the basic spelling and the fact that it sounds similar to the English word, making it easy to remember.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'promesse' in more complete sentences. You learn to use it with 'tenir' (to keep). For example: 'Il tient sa promesse' (He keeps his promise). You also learn the structure 'promesse de + infinitive', such as 'une promesse de manger' (a promise to eat). You can now describe simple social obligations and understand when someone is asking you to commit to something in a conversation.
At the B1 level, you can use 'promesse' to discuss more abstract ideas, like hopes for the future or political news. You understand the difference between 'faire une promesse' and 'rompre une promesse' (to break a promise). you can use adjectives to describe the promise, such as 'une fausse promesse' (a false promise) or 'une promesse importante'. You are also introduced to the idea of 'promesse de vente' in the context of housing, which is a common topic in B1 level reading materials.
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At the B2 level, you use 'promesse' with nuance. You understand idiomatic expressions and can debate the validity of 'promesses électorales'. You can use the word in formal writing, such as a letter of motivation or a formal complaint. You understand that 'promesse' can also mean 'potential', as in 'un joueur plein de promesses'. Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'engagement' and you know when to use one over the other based on the context of the commitment.
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At the C1 level, you appreciate the philosophical and literary depth of 'promesse'. You can analyze texts where 'la promesse' is a central theme, such as the works of Romain Gary. You understand legal nuances, such as the difference between a 'promesse unilatérale' and a 'promesse synallagmatique'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures and understand its role in rhetoric, particularly how politicians use the concept of 'promesse' to build trust or persuade an audience.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'promesse' in all its registers—from street slang to the highest legal and literary forms. You can discuss the etymological roots (from the Latin 'promissa') and how the concept has shifted through French history. You can use the word with absolute precision in diplomatic, legal, or highly technical contexts. You are also familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word in classical French literature and can use it metaphorically with great sophistication.
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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

promesse em 30 segundos

  • A feminine noun meaning 'promise'.
  • Commonly used with verbs 'faire' (make) and 'tenir' (keep).
  • Can be informal (social) or formal (legal/real estate).
  • Essential for discussing commitments and future plans.

The French noun promesse is a cornerstone of interpersonal communication, representing a commitment or an assurance that one will perform a specific action, behave in a certain way, or ensure that something will occur. At its core, a promesse is a verbal or written contract of intent. In French culture, the weight of a promise is significant, often tied to one's honor and social standing. Unlike a simple 'maybe' or 'I'll try,' a promesse implies a definitive obligation.

Legal Context
In French law, a 'promesse de vente' is a preliminary contract for the sale of property, carrying heavy legal weight.
Interpersonal Context
A 'promesse d'amitié' or 'promesse de mariage' involves emotional and social stakes.
Abstract Context
It can refer to the potential of a person or thing, such as 'la promesse de l'aube' (the promise of dawn).

"Une promesse est une dette que l'on contracte envers soi-même autant qu'envers les autres."

— Traditional French Proverb

Historically, the concept of the promise has evolved from feudal oaths to modern democratic 'promesses électorales' (election promises). While the former was a matter of life and death, the latter is often viewed with more skepticism in contemporary French society. However, the linguistic structure remains firm: to make a promise is to 'faire une promesse', and to keep it is to 'tenir sa promesse'.

Il a fait la promesse de revenir avant Noël.

Cette jeune athlète est pleine de promesses pour l'avenir.

La promesse de vente a été signée hier chez le notaire.

Ne fais pas de promesse que tu ne peux pas tenir.

Using promesse correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment and common verb pairings. As a feminine noun, it is always accompanied by feminine articles (la, une, cette). The most frequent verbs used with it are faire (to make), tenir (to keep), and rompre or trahir (to break).

Faire une promesse
To make a promise. Example: 'Je te fais la promesse de t'aider.'
Tenir une promesse
To keep a promise. Example: 'Il tient toujours ses promesses.'
Une promesse de...
Followed by a noun or infinitive. Example: 'Une promesse de don' (a promise of a donation).

In professional settings, promesse is often found in real estate and employment. A 'promesse d'embauche' is a formal job offer that, once accepted, can have the legal weight of a contract. In these contexts, the word moves from a casual social gesture to a binding document. When using it in writing, ensure that the adjectives modifying it are also feminine, such as 'une promesse solennelle' (a solemn promise).

In literary French, promesse can also describe the potential or the 'look' of something. For instance, 'le ciel est plein de promesses' suggests that the weather will be beautiful. This metaphorical use is common in poetry and descriptive prose to evoke hope or anticipation.

You will encounter promesse in various domains of French life, from the intimate to the institutional. In the political sphere, 'les promesses électorales' are a constant topic of debate, often associated with the phrase 'Les promesses n'engagent que ceux qui y croient' (Promises only bind those who believe in them), a famous cynical quote attributed to Jacques Chirac.

News & Media
Discussions about government commitments, climate accords, or economic targets.
Real Estate
The 'promesse de vente' is the standard first step in buying a house in France.
Daily Life
Parents to children: 'Tu m'as fait une promesse !' (You made me a promise!).

In French cinema and literature, the word is often central to the plot. Think of Romain Gary's famous novel La Promesse de l'aube, where the title refers to the maternal promise of a glorious future. In music, many French chansons use the word to express love, betrayal, or hope. It is a word that carries emotional weight, making it a favorite for songwriters like Jacques Brel or Edith Piaf.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing promesse with 'compromis'. While 'compromise' in English can mean a middle ground, in French, 'un compromis' is often a specific type of legal agreement (like 'compromis de vente'), but it doesn't mean 'a promise' in the general sense.

Gender Errors
Saying 'un promesse' instead of 'une promesse'. It is always feminine.
Verb Confusion
Using 'faire une promesse' when 'donner sa parole' might be more appropriate for a serious, personal oath.
Preposition Use
Forgetting the 'de' before an infinitive: 'La promesse venir' (incorrect) vs 'La promesse de venir' (correct).

Another mistake is the literal translation of 'to break a promise'. While 'casser une promesse' might be understood, the correct and more natural French terms are 'rompre une promesse', 'manquer à sa promesse', or 'trahir une promesse'. Using 'casser' sounds very childish or non-native.

While promesse is the general term, several other words in French capture specific nuances of commitment. Understanding these can help you reach a C1/C2 level of precision.

Serment
A formal oath, often religious or legal (e.g., 'prêter serment' in court).
Engagement
A broader commitment, often professional or social (e.g., 'un engagement bénévole').
Parole
Literally 'word'. 'Donner sa parole' is a very strong, personal promise.
Vœu
A vow or a wish, often in a religious or formal context (e.g., 'vœux de mariage').
Pacte
A formal agreement between two parties, often with a sense of gravity.

In literary contexts, you might also see 'assurance' or 'garantie'. While 'garantie' is more technical/commercial, 'assurance' can be used to describe a verbal promise of safety or success. Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the nature of the obligation. For example, you wouldn't use 'serment' for a promise to buy milk, but you would use it for a presidential inauguration.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Agreement of feminine adjectives

Use of 'de' before infinitives

Direct and indirect object pronouns with 'promettre'

The future tense (often used when making promises)

Subjunctive mood after 'Il est important que...'

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Exemplos por nível

1

C'est une promesse.

It is a promise.

Feminine noun 'une promesse'.

2

Je fais une promesse.

I make a promise.

Verb 'faire' + noun.

3

Une petite promesse.

A small promise.

Adjective 'petite' agrees with feminine noun.

4

Ta promesse est ici.

Your promise is here.

Possessive 'ta' for feminine singular.

5

Merci pour la promesse.

Thank you for the promise.

Preposition 'pour' + article 'la'.

6

C'est ma promesse.

It is my promise.

Possessive 'ma'.

7

Une promesse pour toi.

A promise for you.

Simple structure.

8

Elle a une promesse.

She has a promise.

Verb 'avoir'.

1

Il tient sa promesse.

He keeps his promise.

Verb 'tenir' means to keep/hold.

2

Tu dois faire une promesse.

You must make a promise.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.

3

C'est une promesse de maman.

It's a promise from mom.

Possessive 'de'.

4

Je n'oublie pas ma promesse.

I don't forget my promise.

Negation 'ne... pas'.

5

Quelle est ta promesse ?

What is your promise?

Interrogative 'quelle' (feminine).

6

Il a fait une promesse de venir.

He made a promise to come.

Promesse + de + infinitive.

7

Nous gardons cette promesse.

We keep this promise.

Demonstrative 'cette'.

8

Elle ne tient jamais ses promesses.

She never keeps her promises.

Adverb 'jamais' and plural 'promesses'.

1

Le gouvernement a fait une promesse importante.

The government made an important promise.

Compound past 'a fait'.

2

C'est une promesse difficile à tenir.

It's a difficult promise to keep.

Adjective 'difficile' + 'à' + infinitive.

3

Il a rompu sa promesse sans explication.

He broke his promise without explanation.

Verb 'rompre' (to break).

4

La promesse de vente est signée.

The sales agreement is signed.

Passive voice 'est signée'.

5

Je compte sur ta promesse.

I am counting on your promise.

Verb 'compter sur'.

6

Elle a fait la promesse d'étudier plus.

She made the promise to study more.

Elision 'd'étudier'.

7

Ce sont des promesses en l'air.

These are empty promises.

Idiom 'en l'air' (empty/meaningless).

8

Chaque promesse compte pour moi.

Every promise counts for me.

Indefinite adjective 'chaque'.

1

Les promesses électorales sont souvent critiquées.

Election promises are often criticized.

Plural agreement of 'critiquées'.

2

Il a manqué à sa promesse solennelle.

He failed his solemn promise.

Phrase 'manquer à'.

3

Cette découverte porte la promesse d'un remède.

This discovery carries the promise of a cure.

Metaphorical use of 'porte la promesse'.

4

Elle a été déçue par ses promesses non tenues.

She was disappointed by his unkept promises.

Past participle 'tenues' as adjective.

5

Nous exigeons le respect de cette promesse.

We demand the respect of this promise.

Noun 'respect' + 'de'.

6

Une promesse d'embauche a été envoyée.

A job offer (promise) was sent.

Specific professional term.

7

Il s'est engagé par une promesse écrite.

He committed himself by a written promise.

Pronominal verb 's'engager'.

8

La vie est pleine de promesses à vingt ans.

Life is full of promises at twenty.

Adjective 'pleine' + 'de'.

1

L'auteur explore la fragilité de la promesse humaine.

The author explores the fragility of human promise.

Abstract philosophical use.

2

La promesse unilatérale de vente lie le vendeur.

The unilateral promise of sale binds the seller.

Legal terminology.

3

Il y a une promesse de bonheur dans son regard.

There is a promise of happiness in her gaze.

Literary expression.

4

Trahir une promesse, c'est trahir soi-même.

To betray a promise is to betray oneself.

Infinitive as subject.

5

Les promesses de l'aube sont parfois trompeuses.

The promises of dawn are sometimes deceptive.

Literary allusion.

6

Elle a agi en vertu d'une promesse ancienne.

She acted by virtue of an old promise.

Prepositional phrase 'en vertu de'.

7

Le candidat multiplie les promesses fallacieuses.

The candidate multiplies fallacious promises.

Advanced adjective 'fallacieuses'.

8

La promesse n'est pas un vain mot pour lui.

A promise is not an empty word for him.

Expression 'vain mot'.

1

L'acte notarié contient une promesse synallagmatique.

The notarized act contains a bilateral promise.

Highly technical legal term.

2

La caducité d'une promesse peut être invoquée.

The lapse of a promise can be invoked.

Legal concept of 'caducité'.

3

Il s'est fourvoyé dans des promesses de Gascon.

He got lost in empty/boastful promises.

Idiom 'promesse de Gascon'.

4

L'ontologie de la promesse réside dans l'acte de langage.

The ontology of the promise resides in the speech act.

Philosophical/Linguistic register.

5

Nonobstant sa promesse, il a décliné l'offre.

Notwithstanding his promise, he declined the offer.

Formal conjunction 'nonobstant'.

6

La promesse de fleurs ne garantit pas les fruits.

The promise of flowers does not guarantee the fruit.

Proverbial/Metaphorical.

7

Elle a souscrit à une promesse de porte-fort.

She entered into a promise to stand surety for another.

Archaic/Technical legal term.

8

Le dédit de sa promesse lui a coûté cher.

The withdrawal of his promise cost him dearly.

Noun 'dédit' (withdrawal/breach).

Colocações comuns

faire une promesse
tenir une promesse
rompre une promesse
promesse de vente
promesse d'embauche
promesse électorale
fausse promesse
promesse solennelle
manquer à sa promesse
remplir sa promesse

Frases Comuns

C'est une promesse.
Tenir parole.
Une promesse est une promesse.
Faire des promesses en l'air.
Sous promesse de...
La promesse de l'aube.
Une promesse de Gascon.
Manquer à sa promesse.
S'engager par une promesse.
Donner sa promesse.

Frequentemente confundido com

promesse vs compromis

promesse vs permis

promesse vs prémisse

Expressões idiomáticas

"Promesse de Gascon (A promise that won't be kept)"
"Les promesses n'engagent que ceux qui y croient (Promises only bind those who believe them)"
"Chose promise, chose due (A promise made is a debt to be paid)"
"Faire des promesses de fleurs (To make beautiful but empty promises)"
"Vendre des promesses (To sell false hopes)"
"Se répandre en promesses (To shower someone with promises)"
"Avaler des promesses (To believe everything promised)"
"Une promesse de ivrogne (A drunkard's promise - unreliable)"
"Nourrir de promesses (To keep someone waiting with empty promises)"
"La promesse du loup (A dangerous or false promise)"

Fácil de confundir

promesse vs

promesse vs

promesse vs

promesse vs

promesse vs

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

nuance

While 'promesse' is the act, 'promettre' is the action. You make a 'promesse' by 'promettant' something.

caution

Avoid 'casser une promesse'; use 'rompre'.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'un promesse' (incorrect gender).
  • Using 'casser une promesse' (anglicism).
  • Forgetting 'de' before an infinitive.
  • Confusing 'promesse' with 'compromis'.
  • Misspelling it as 'promese' (needs double 's').

Dicas

Gender Check

Always use 'la' or 'une' with promesse. It never changes gender.

Verb Pairing

Memorize 'tenir' (keep) and 'rompre' (break) alongside the noun.

Legal Weight

Be careful with 'promesse de vente' in France; it is a serious legal step.

Natural Flow

Say 'Je te donne ma parole' for a more heartfelt promise.

Formal Tone

In professional emails, use 'engagement' instead of 'promesse' for a stronger tone.

Proverb

Remember 'Chose promise, chose due' to sound like a native.

Context Clues

If you hear 'notaire', the 'promesse' is likely about property.

Silent E

The final 'e' is silent, but ensure the 's' sound is clear.

Association

Connect 'promesse' with 'permission' to remember the feminine gender.

Abstract Use

Use 'plein de promesses' to describe a beautiful sunset or a talented student.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'PRO' making a 'MESS' if they don't keep their PROMESSE.

Origem da palavra

Latin

Contexto cultural

The 'Serment du Jeu de Paume' (Tennis Court Oath) is a famous historical 'promesse' that led to the French Revolution.

Breaking a promise in a professional context in France is seen as a major breach of 'savoir-vivre'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"As-tu déjà rompu une promesse importante ?"

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

"Crois-tu aux promesses des politiciens ?"

"Est-il facile pour toi de tenir tes promesses ?"

"Que penses-tu de l'expression 'chose promise, chose due' ?"

Temas para diário

Écris sur une promesse que tu as faite à toi-même cette année.

Décris une situation où quelqu'un a rompu une promesse envers toi.

Pourquoi est-il important de tenir sa parole dans ta culture ?

Imagine une promesse pour le futur de la planète.

Réflexion sur le livre 'La Promesse de l'aube'.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is always feminine: une promesse.

The most common way is 'rompre une promesse' or 'manquer à sa promesse'.

It is a preliminary legal agreement to sell a property.

Yes, as in 'un jeune talent plein de promesses' (a young talent full of potential).

The verb is 'promettre'.

Yes, it is used in all registers, from daily talk to legal documents.

It refers to a promise that is unlikely to be kept, often boastful.

Use 'de' before a verb (promesse de venir) and 'à' for the person (promesse à Marie).

No, 'vœu' is more like a 'vow' or a 'wish', often religious.

You say 'des promesses en l'air'.

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