When learning a new language, it’s helpful to know how to express your feelings and intentions. One important phrase in many conversations is “I promise.” This phrase shows commitment, trust, and assurance. In French, expressing a promise can be done in a few different ways, depending on the context.
In this article, we will explore how to say “I promise” in French and provide several variations of this phrase. We will also cover how to respond to someone who makes a promise. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently use the phrase in your French conversations. Whether you’re making a commitment or assuring someone, this knowledge will help you sound natural in French.
Ways to say “I promise” in French
In French, there are several ways to say “I promise,” each with its own nuance depending on the situation. Here are some common expressions:
1. Je promets (Pronounced: juh pro-may)
Meaning: This is the most direct translation of “I promise” and is used in a formal or casual context.
In a Sentence:
- Je promets de te rendre ton livre demain. (I promise to return your book tomorrow.)
- Je promets que je vais essayer de mieux faire. (I promise I will try to do better.)
2. Je te donne ma parole (Pronounced: juh tuh don ma pah-roll)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “I give you my word” and is often used to make a strong, sincere promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je te donne ma parole, je serai là à 18 heures. (I give you my word, I will be there at 6 PM.)
- Je te donne ma parole que je ne vais pas oublier. (I give you my word, I won’t forget.)
3. Je t’assure (Pronounced: juh tah-soor)
Meaning: This can be used to reassure someone or promise something with confidence. It translates to “I assure you.”
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure que tout ira bien. (I assure you that everything will be fine.)
- Je t’assure, il n’y a pas de problème. (I assure you, there is no problem.)
4. C’est promis (Pronounced: say pro-mee)
Meaning: This is a shorter way to say “It’s promised” or “It’s a promise,” and is often used in casual conversations.
In a Sentence:
- C’est promis, je viendrai demain. (It’s promised, I’ll come tomorrow.)
- C’est promis, on ira au parc ce week-end. (It’s promised, we will go to the park this weekend.)
5. Je m’engage (Pronounced: juh mahn-gahzh)
Meaning: This translates to “I engage myself” and is used in more formal or serious promises.
In a Sentence:
- Je m’engage à finir le projet avant vendredi. (I engage myself to finish the project before Friday.)
- Je m’engage à t’aider avec tes devoirs. (I engage myself to help you with your homework.)
6. Je fais une promesse (Pronounced: juh fay un pro-mess)
Meaning: This literally means “I make a promise” and is a formal way to express a commitment.
In a Sentence:
- Je fais une promesse de toujours te soutenir. (I make a promise to always support you.)
- Je fais une promesse que je serai à l’heure. (I make a promise that I will be on time.)
7. Je te jure (Pronounced: juh tuh zhoor)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “I swear to you,” and is used when making a strong, sincere promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je te jure que je n’ai pas menti. (I swear to you, I didn’t lie.)
- Je te jure que je ferai de mon mieux. (I swear to you, I will do my best.)
8. Je te fais la promesse (Pronounced: juh tuh fay lah pro-mess)
Meaning: This is another way of saying “I make you the promise” in a more formal tone.
In a Sentence:
- Je te fais la promesse de ne jamais t’abandonner. (I make you the promise to never abandon you.)
- Je te fais la promesse de toujours être honnête. (I make you the promise to always be honest.)
9. Je m’engage à (Pronounced: juh mahng-ahzh ah)
Meaning: Similar to “Je m’engage,” this phrase specifically includes the action or goal of the promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je m’engage à faire de mon mieux pour réussir. (I commit to doing my best to succeed.)
- Je m’engage à être plus ponctuel. (I commit to being more punctual.)
10. C’est un serment (Pronounced: say un ser-mahnt)
Meaning: This translates to “It’s a vow” and is used when making a very serious or official promise.
In a Sentence:
- C’est un serment, je ne te laisserai jamais tomber. (It’s a vow, I will never let you down.)
- C’est un serment de toujours te protéger. (It’s a vow to always protect you.)
11. Je t’assure sur ma parole (Pronounced: juh tah-soor syr ma pah-roll)
Meaning: This phrase emphasizes the sincerity of the promise, translating to “I assure you on my word.”
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure sur ma parole que tout sera prêt à temps. (I assure you on my word that everything will be ready on time.)
- Je t’assure sur ma parole que je serai là demain matin. (I assure you on my word that I will be there tomorrow morning.)
12. Je suis déterminé(e) à (Pronounced: juh swee day-ter-mee-nay ah)
Meaning: This means “I am determined to,” used when you are very committed to achieving something.
In a Sentence:
- Je suis déterminé à réussir cet examen. (I am determined to pass this exam.)
- Je suis déterminée à respecter mon engagement. (I am determined to keep my promise.)
13. Je m’engage à respecter (Pronounced: juh mahn-gahzh ah ray-spek-tay)
Meaning: This means “I commit to respecting,” often used when promising to follow through on a specific action.
In a Sentence:
- Je m’engage à respecter nos accords. (I commit to respecting our agreements.)
- Je m’engage à respecter tes souhaits. (I commit to respecting your wishes.)
14. Je t’assure de ma fidélité (Pronounced: juh tah-soor duh ma fee-day-lee-tay)
Meaning: This translates to “I assure you of my loyalty” and is often used in personal relationships to promise loyalty.
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure de ma fidélité et de mon amour. (I assure you of my loyalty and my love.)
- Je t’assure de ma fidélité, quoi qu’il arrive. (I assure you of my loyalty, no matter what happens.)
15. Je ne faillirai pas (Pronounced: juh nuh figh-ree-ray pah)
Meaning: This phrase means “I will not fail,” often used to make a strong and firm promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je ne faillirai pas à ma parole. (I will not fail in my word.)
- Je ne faillirai pas dans mes responsabilités. (I will not fail in my responsibilities.)
16. Je jure sur tout ce qui est cher (Pronounced: juh zhoor syr too see kee eh share)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “I swear on everything dear to me” and is used to make a very serious promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je jure sur tout ce qui est cher que je serai à l’heure. (I swear on everything dear to me that I will be on time.)
- Je jure sur tout ce qui est cher que je ne t’abandonnerai pas. (I swear on everything dear to me that I won’t abandon you.)
17. Je fais serment (Pronounced: juh fay ser-mahnt)
Meaning: This is another formal way to say “I vow” or “I swear.”
In a Sentence:
- Je fais serment de protéger cette communauté. (I vow to protect this community.)
- Je fais serment de toujours être honnête avec toi. (I vow to always be honest with you.)
18. Je t’assure de ma parole d’honneur (Pronounced: juh tah-soor duh ma pah-roll doh-nuhr)
Meaning: This is a very strong phrase meaning “I assure you on my word of honor,” often used to express deep commitment.
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure de ma parole d’honneur que je respecterai notre accord. (I assure you on my word of honor that I will respect our agreement.)
- Je t’assure de ma parole d’honneur que je serai fidèle. (I assure you on my word of honor that I will be loyal.)
19. Je m’engage solennellement (Pronounced: juh mahn-gahzh soh-lah-nay-luh-mahn)
Meaning: This means “I solemnly commit,” often used in formal situations.
In a Sentence:
- Je m’engage solennellement à accomplir cette tâche. (I solemnly commit to completing this task.)
- Je m’engage solennellement à ne jamais répéter cela. (I solemnly commit to never repeating that.)
20. Je te fais la promesse solennelle (Pronounced: juh tuh fay lah pro-mess soh-lah-nell)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “I make you the solemn promise” and is a more formal way to express commitment.
In a Sentence:
- Je te fais la promesse solennelle que je serai toujours là pour toi. (I make you the solemn promise that I will always be there for you.)
- Je te fais la promesse solennelle que ce ne se reproduira plus. (I make you the solemn promise that this will not happen again.)
21. Je t’assure que c’est une promesse irrévocable (Pronounced: juh tah-soor kuh sayt oon pro-mess eer-ay-voh-kah-bluh)
Meaning: This means “I assure you that it is an irrevocable promise,” used for promises that cannot be undone.
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure que c’est une promesse irrévocable, je ne changerai pas d’avis. (I assure you that it is an irrevocable promise, I will not change my mind.)
- Je t’assure que c’est une promesse irrévocable, tu peux compter sur moi. (I assure you that it is an irrevocable promise, you can count on me.)
22. Je fais une promesse solennelle (Pronounced: juh fay oon pro-mess soh-lah-nell)
Meaning: Similar to “Je te fais la promesse solennelle,” this means “I make a solemn promise” and is often used in more serious contexts.
In a Sentence:
- Je fais une promesse solennelle de toujours être là pour toi. (I make a solemn promise to always be there for you.)
- Je fais une promesse solennelle de tenir ma parole. (I make a solemn promise to keep my word.)
23. Je me fais un engagement (Pronounced: juh muh fay uhn ahn-gahzh-mahn)
Meaning: This translates to “I make a commitment,” implying a sense of responsibility.
In a Sentence:
- Je me fais un engagement à terminer ce projet. (I make a commitment to finish this project.)
- Je me fais un engagement à respecter nos délais. (I make a commitment to respect our deadlines.)
24. Je t’assure, ça va se faire (Pronounced: juh tah-soor, sah vah suh fair)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “I assure you, it will be done.” It’s a casual yet firm way to promise something.
In a Sentence:
- Je t’assure, ça va se faire, tout est sous contrôle. (I assure you, it will be done, everything is under control.)
- Je t’assure, ça va se faire, je m’en occupe. (I assure you, it will be done, I’m taking care of it.)
25. Je ferai tout ce qui est en mon pouvoir (Pronounced: juh feh-ray too see kee eh on mohn poo-vwar)
Meaning: This means “I will do everything in my power,” and is a strong promise often used to show dedication.
In a Sentence:
- Je ferai tout ce qui est en mon pouvoir pour t’aider. (I will do everything in my power to help you.)
- Je ferai tout ce qui est en mon pouvoir pour résoudre ce problème. (I will do everything in my power to solve this problem.)
26. Je suis engagé(e) à (Pronounced: juh swee ahn-gah-zhay ah)
Meaning: This phrase means “I am committed to” and is used to express dedication to a cause or task.
In a Sentence:
- Je suis engagé à respecter mes engagements. (I am committed to keeping my promises.)
- Je suis engagée à être un meilleur ami. (I am committed to being a better friend.)
27. Je m’engage fermement à (Pronounced: juh mahng-ahzh fer-meh-mahn ah)
Meaning: This translates to “I firmly commit to,” and is used to show strong determination and seriousness.
In a Sentence:
- Je m’engage fermement à respecter nos règles. (I firmly commit to respecting our rules.)
- Je m’engage fermement à t’aider dans cette situation. (I firmly commit to helping you in this situation.)
28. Je prends un engagement formel (Pronounced: juh prahnd uhn ahn-gahzh-mahn for-mell)
Meaning: This means “I take a formal commitment,” often used in legal or business contexts.
In a Sentence:
- Je prends un engagement formel à respecter le contrat. (I take a formal commitment to honor the contract.)
- Je prends un engagement formel de ne pas divulguer ces informations. (I take a formal commitment not to disclose this information.)
29. C’est un vœu que je tiens (Pronounced: say uh vuh kuh juh tyan)
Meaning: This translates to “It’s a vow I keep,” used when promising something with strong resolve.
In a Sentence:
- C’est un vœu que je tiens de toujours être honnête. (It’s a vow I keep to always be honest.)
- C’est un vœu que je tiens de protéger ma famille. (It’s a vow I keep to protect my family.)
30. Je te donne ma garantie (Pronounced: juh tuh don ma gah-rahnt-ee)
Meaning: This translates to “I give you my guarantee” and emphasizes the certainty of the promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je te donne ma garantie que tu seras payé à temps. (I give you my guarantee that you will be paid on time.)
- Je te donne ma garantie que cela ne se reproduira pas. (I give you my guarantee that this will not happen again.)
Other Ways to Say “I Promise” in French
Below is a table with additional ways to say “I promise” in French, along with their pronunciation, meanings, and example sentences:
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Je tiens ma promesse | juh tyen ma pro-mess | I keep my promise | Je tiens ma promesse, je serai là à 18h. (I keep my promise, I will be there at 6 PM.) |
| Je m’engage à le faire | juh mahn-gahzh ah luh fair | I commit to doing it | Je m’engage à le faire demain sans faute. (I commit to doing it tomorrow without fail.) |
| Je te fais la garantie | juh tuh fay lah gah-rahn-tee | I give you my guarantee | Je te fais la garantie que je serai ponctuel. (I give you my guarantee that I will be punctual.) |
| Je fais un serment solennel | juh fay uhn ser-mahnt soh-lah-nell | I make a solemn vow | Je fais un serment solennel de te protéger. (I make a solemn vow to protect you.) |
| Je suis déterminé à | juh swee day-ter-mee-nay ah | I am determined to | Je suis déterminé à finir ce projet ce soir. (I am determined to finish this project tonight.) |
| Je t’assure sincèrement | juh tah-soor sin-ser-mahn | I assure you sincerely | Je t’assure sincèrement que je n’oublierai pas. (I assure you sincerely that I won’t forget.) |
| Je promets sur l’honneur | juh pro-may soor lon-ur | I promise on my honor | Je promets sur l’honneur que cela ne se reproduira plus. (I promise on my honor that this won’t happen again.) |
| C’est ma parole d’honneur | say mah pah-roll doh-nur | It’s my word of honor | C’est ma parole d’honneur que je tiendrai mon engagement. (It’s my word of honor that I will keep my commitment.) |
| Je fais cette promesse en toute confiance | juh fay set pro-mess ahn toot kon-fee-ahnss | I make this promise with full confidence | Je fais cette promesse en toute confiance que tu réussiras. (I make this promise with full confidence that you will succeed.) |
| Je promets sans réserve | juh pro-may sahn ray-zerv | I promise without reservation | Je promets sans réserve de t’aider à tout moment. (I promise without reservation to help you at any time.) |
Response to “I Promise” in French
When someone makes a promise in French, there are a few common ways you can respond, depending on the situation. Here are some examples of how you can reply when someone says “I promise” or makes a commitment:
1. Merci, je te fais confiance.
(Pronounced: mehr-see, juh tuh fay kon-fi-ahns)
Meaning: “Thank you, I trust you.”
This is a positive and supportive response to someone’s promise. It shows that you trust the person and believe they will keep their word.
In a Sentence:
- Merci, je te fais confiance. Je sais que tu tiendras ta promesse. (Thank you, I trust you. I know you will keep your promise.)
2. J’espère que tu tiendras ta promesse.
(Pronounced: zhay-spehr kuh too tyen-drah tah pro-mess)
Meaning: “I hope you will keep your promise.”
This response expresses hope, but also shows a little uncertainty about whether the promise will be kept.
In a Sentence:
- J’espère que tu tiendras ta promesse, car c’est important pour moi. (I hope you will keep your promise, because it’s important to me.)
3. Je n’en doute pas.
(Pronounced: juh nahn doot pah)
Meaning: “I don’t doubt it.”
This is a confident and reassuring response to someone’s promise, indicating that you fully believe they will follow through.
In a Sentence:
- Je n’en doute pas, tu es quelqu’un de fiable. (I don’t doubt it, you’re a reliable person.)
4. Je compte sur toi.
(Pronounced: juh kohnt soor twah)
Meaning: “I’m counting on you.”
This response shows that you are relying on the person to fulfill their promise and take action. It expresses trust and expectation.
In a Sentence:
- Je compte sur toi pour m’aider à finir ce travail. (I’m counting on you to help me finish this work.)
5. C’est bon, je te crois.
(Pronounced: say bohn, juh tuh krwah)
Meaning: “It’s okay, I believe you.”
This is an expression of belief and acceptance of the promise, showing that you have faith in the person’s word.
In a Sentence:
- C’est bon, je te crois. Je sais que tu feras ce que tu as dit. (It’s okay, I believe you. I know you will do what you said.)
6. Je suis rassuré(e).
(Pronounced: juh swee rah-syu-ray)
Meaning: “I’m reassured.”
This response shows that you feel comfortable and at ease now that the person has made their promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je suis rassuré, maintenant je peux me détendre. (I’m reassured, now I can relax.)
7. Je te fais confiance aussi.
(Pronounced: juh tuh fay kon-fi-ahns oh-see)
Meaning: “I trust you too.”
This is a reciprocal response to a promise, indicating that you are also trusting the person.
In a Sentence:
- Je te fais confiance aussi, et je sais que tu feras de ton mieux. (I trust you too, and I know you will do your best.)
8. J’attends de voir.
(Pronounced: zhah-tohn duh vwar)
Meaning: “I’ll wait and see.”
This response expresses some doubt or caution, implying that you will wait to see if the person keeps their promise before fully believing it.
In a Sentence:
- J’attends de voir si tu respectes ce que tu as dit. (I’ll wait and see if you respect what you said.)
9. Sois sûr(e) que je te soutiendrai.
(Pronounced: swah soor kuh juh tuh soo-tyahn-dray)
Meaning: “Be sure that I will support you.”
This is a supportive response, showing that you are ready to help and stand by the person as they keep their promise.
In a Sentence:
- Sois sûr que je te soutiendrai dans cette situation difficile. (Be sure that I will support you in this difficult situation.)
10. Ça me rassure d’entendre ça.
(Pronounced: sah muh rah-syuhr dahn-tahnd-rah sah)
Meaning: “That reassures me to hear.”
This response shows relief and comfort from hearing the promise, indicating that you feel better about the situation.
In a Sentence:
- Ça me rassure d’entendre ça, j’étais un peu inquiet. (That reassures me to hear, I was a little worried.)
11. J’ai confiance en toi.
(Pronounced: zhay kon-fee-ahns ahn twah)
Meaning: “I have confidence in you.”
This is a strong, positive response that shows your trust and belief in the person’s ability to keep their promise.
In a Sentence:
- J’ai confiance en toi, je sais que tu vas réussir. (I have confidence in you, I know you will succeed.)
12. Je n’oublierai pas ta promesse.
(Pronounced: juh noob-lee-ray pah tah pro-mess)
Meaning: “I won’t forget your promise.”
This response emphasizes that you are remembering the promise and expect it to be kept.
In a Sentence:
- Je n’oublierai pas ta promesse, je sais que tu vas être là. (I won’t forget your promise, I know you’ll be there.)
13. J’espère que tu tiendras parole.
(Pronounced: zhay-spehr kuh too tyen-drah pah-roll)
Meaning: “I hope you’ll keep your word.”
This expresses some hope and a slight hint of doubt, but still encourages the person to keep their promise.
In a Sentence:
- J’espère que tu tiendras parole, c’est important pour moi. (I hope you’ll keep your word, it’s important to me.)
14. Je suis sûr(e) que tu le feras.
(Pronounced: juh swee soor kuh too luh feh-rah)
Meaning: “I’m sure you’ll do it.”
This is a confident and positive response, showing that you believe the person will fulfill their promise.
In a Sentence:
- Je suis sûr que tu le feras, je te fais confiance. (I’m sure you’ll do it, I trust you.)
15. Je crois en ta promesse.
(Pronounced: juh krwah ahn tah pro-mess)
Meaning: “I believe in your promise.”
This response shows trust and faith in the person’s commitment.
In a Sentence:
- Je crois en ta promesse et je sais que tu vas tenir ta parole. (I believe in your promise, and I know you’ll keep your word.)
Exercise to Practice Saying “I Promise” in French
Below is a list of 12 fill-in-the-blank sentences using the various ways to say “I promise” in French. After the sentences, you’ll find the answers along with their meanings.
Fill in the blanks:
- ______, je serai à l’heure pour le rendez-vous.
- ______, je ne vais pas oublier ton anniversaire.
- ______, je vais terminer ce travail demain matin.
- ______, je n’abandonnerai pas.
- ______, je vais venir te voir après l’école.
- ______, je vais toujours te soutenir.
- ______, je vais prendre soin de ton chat pendant ton absence.
- ______, je ferai tout mon possible pour t’aider.
- ______, je tiendrai ma promesse, peu importe les obstacles.
- ______, je vais respecter notre accord.
- ______, tout ira bien.
- ______, je ferai ce que j’ai dit.
Answers and Meanings:
- Je promets (I promise)
Meaning: I promise, I will be on time for the meeting. - Je te fais la promesse (I make you the promise)
Meaning: I make you the promise, I won’t forget your birthday. - Je m’engage à (I commit to)
Meaning: I commit to finishing this work tomorrow morning. - Je te donne ma parole (I give you my word)
Meaning: I give you my word, I will not give up. - Je te fais confiance (I trust you)
Meaning: I trust you, I will come see you after school. - Je t’assure (I assure you)
Meaning: I assure you, I will always support you. - Je m’engage à (I commit to)
Meaning: I commit to taking care of your cat while you’re away. - Je ferai tout ce qui est en mon pouvoir (I will do everything in my power)
Meaning: I will do everything in my power to help you. - Je tiens ma promesse (I keep my promise)
Meaning: I keep my promise, no matter the obstacles. - Je promets sur l’honneur (I promise on my honor)
Meaning: I promise on my honor, I will respect our agreement. - Je t’assure (I assure you)
Meaning: I assure you, everything will be fine. - Je te jure (I swear to you)
Meaning: I swear to you, I will do what I said.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “I promise” in French is an important step in communicating effectively and building trust in both personal and professional relationships. Whether you’re expressing a casual assurance or making a more serious vow, knowing the different ways to make a promise will help you sound natural and confident in French.
By practicing the various expressions, like je promets, je t’assure, and je te donne ma parole, you’ll be able to communicate your commitment clearly and appropriately in any situation. Additionally, knowing how to respond to promises, whether with reassurance, confidence, or hope, will make your conversations more fluid and meaningful.
Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll be able to make and respond to promises in French just as easily as you do in your own language!