What it's NOT
compromise does NOT translate to compromiso.
To say "compromiso" in English, use commitment.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
compromise
Does NOT mean compromiso
It means an agreement where both sides give something up
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
compromise means an agreement where both sides give something up.
Why it's confused
Spanish "compromiso" is an obligation you've taken on, a promise, or a formal appointment. English "compromise" is an agreement where both sides give something up to meet in the middle. Spanish "compromiso" in English is "commitment."
How it's pronounced
compromiseCÓM-pro-maiz
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Examples of correct use
English
We reached a compromise.
Spanish
Llegamos a un acuerdo.
English
A good relationship requires compromise.
Spanish
Una buena relación requiere ceder de ambos lados.
A trick to remember it
Compromise = to give something up and reach an agreement. An obligation (Spanish "compromiso") = commitment.
Mini quiz
"They reached a compromise" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "compromise" mean in English?
"Compromise" means "an agreement where both sides give something up". It looks a lot like "compromiso", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "compromiso" in English?
To say "compromiso" in English, use "commitment". If you use "compromise" instead, you would actually be saying "an agreement where both sides give something up".
Do "compromise" and "compromiso" mean the same thing?
Spanish "compromiso" is an obligation you've taken on, a promise, or a formal appointment. English "compromise" is an agreement where both sides give something up to meet in the middle. Spanish "compromiso" in English is "commitment."
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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