comprometerse a
verbCEFR B2
What does “comprometerse a” mean in English?
to pledge, to commit to
to pledge, to commit to (comprometerse a + infinitive — make a formal binding commitment)
Example sentences
Los líderes se comprometieron a reducir las emisiones en un cuarenta por ciento antes de 2030.
The leaders pledged to reduce emissions by forty per cent before 2030.
La empresa se comprometió con sus empleados a mantener todos los puestos de trabajo.
The company committed to its employees to maintain all jobs.
How to use it
Comprometerse a means 'to pledge' or 'to commit to'. Always reflexive; followed by a + infinitive or a + noun. Different from prometer (promise — speech act) because comprometerse implies a binding public or formal commitment. Key in political, legal, and institutional discourse.
Common mistake
Comprometerse a (commit/pledge — binding) vs. prometer (promise — speech act, less binding register). Both take infinitive or que + subjunctive, but comprometerse implies formal accountability.