donner sa parole
To be uncomfortable
Literalmente: To give one's word
Use it when you want to prove your sincerity and pledge your honor to a promise.
En 15 segundos
- A serious promise that pledges your personal honor.
- Used to reassure others of your absolute sincerity.
- Common in both professional agreements and deep personal friendships.
Significado
This phrase means to give your word or make a solemn promise to someone. It is about pledging your honor and commitment to follow through on what you said.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Reassuring a friend about a secret
Je ne le dirai à personne, je te donne ma parole.
I won't tell anyone, I give you my word.
A business agreement before the contract is signed
Monsieur le Directeur, je vous donne ma parole que le projet sera prêt.
Director, I give you my word that the project will be ready.
Texting a partner about being on time
Je serai là à 20h, je te donne ma parole !
I'll be there at 8 PM, I give you my word!
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'la parole' is central to French social contracts. Historically, aristocratic honor was tied to one's spoken word, and this carries over into modern professional and personal trust. In France, a verbal commitment is often seen as a moral contract that precedes any written document.
The 'Handshake' Culture
In France, giving your word is often accompanied by a firm handshake. It’s the physical seal of the verbal contract.
Don't Overuse It
If you give your word for every little thing, it loses its value. Save it for when it really matters.
En 15 segundos
- A serious promise that pledges your personal honor.
- Used to reassure others of your absolute sincerity.
- Common in both professional agreements and deep personal friendships.
What It Means
Donner sa parole is the French way of saying you promise something 100%. It is not a casual 'maybe.' It is a deep commitment. You are putting your reputation on the line. When you say this, people expect you to deliver. It is about trust and personal honor.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'to give my word' in English. You conjugate the verb donner based on who is promising. For example, Je te donne ma parole. It usually takes an indirect object (the person you are promising). It sounds strong and sincere. Use it when a simple 'oui' isn't enough to convince someone.
When To Use It
Use it in serious moments. Maybe a friend is sharing a deep secret. Perhaps you are closing a deal without a contract yet. It works well when you need to reassure someone. Use it at work to show you are reliable. Use it with family to prove you'll be there. It’s perfect for those 'trust me' moments.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial things. Don't say it because you promised to buy milk. It feels too heavy for small chores. Avoid it if you aren't certain you can keep it. Breaking this promise is a big deal in France. It can make you look very unreliable or dishonest. Also, don't use it in very casual slang settings where juré (sworn) fits better.
Cultural Background
French culture values the 'homme de parole' (man of his word). Historically, a verbal agreement was as good as a signature. Honor is a quiet but powerful force in French social circles. This phrase carries the weight of history and chivalry. Even today, keeping your word defines your social standing. It’s about the integrity of the individual in society.
Common Variations
You might hear tenir sa parole, which means to keep your word. If someone fails, they manquer à leur parole. You can also say être un homme de parole or une femme de parole. This describes someone who is consistently reliable. In very formal settings, you might hear engager sa parole. This sounds even more official and serious.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly respected in all levels of society. Be careful to conjugate the possessive adjective (ma, ta, sa) to match the subject.
The 'Handshake' Culture
In France, giving your word is often accompanied by a firm handshake. It’s the physical seal of the verbal contract.
Don't Overuse It
If you give your word for every little thing, it loses its value. Save it for when it really matters.
The 'D'honneur' Boost
Add 'd'honneur' at the end (`Je te donne ma parole d'honneur`) to make it sound incredibly solemn and unbreakable.
Ejemplos
6Je ne le dirai à personne, je te donne ma parole.
I won't tell anyone, I give you my word.
Used here to build deep trust regarding sensitive information.
Monsieur le Directeur, je vous donne ma parole que le projet sera prêt.
Director, I give you my word that the project will be ready.
Shows professional reliability and high commitment.
Je serai là à 20h, je te donne ma parole !
I'll be there at 8 PM, I give you my word!
Adds a layer of serious intent to a simple plan.
On ira au zoo samedi, je te donne ma parole de maman.
We will go to the zoo on Saturday, you have my word as a mom.
The addition of 'de maman' makes the promise feel unbreakable.
Je vais finir ce plat, je te donne ma parole d'honneur !
I'm going to finish this dish, I give you my word of honor!
Using a very serious phrase for a silly challenge creates humor.
Ça ne se reproduira plus, je te donne ma parole.
It won't happen again, I give you my word.
Used to repair trust after a mistake.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct form to complete the promise.
Ne t'inquiète pas, je ___ donne ma parole que je t'aiderai.
The phrase uses an indirect object (te) to indicate who you are giving your word to.
Which verb means 'to keep' the word you gave?
Il est important de ___ sa parole.
'Tenir sa parole' is the standard way to say you are following through on your promise.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Promises
Used with close friends for small things.
Juré !
Standard way to promise seriously.
Je te donne ma parole.
High-stakes or professional settings.
J'engage ma parole d'honneur.
When to Give Your Word
Keeping Secrets
Sharing a confidence
Business Deals
Closing a handshake deal
Family Vows
Promising a child something
Apologies
Vowing to do better
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThey are similar, but donner sa parole is more emphatic and personal. It implies your honor is at stake, whereas promettre is a general verb for promising.
Yes, it is very appropriate in a professional context to show you are serious about a deadline or task. You would say Je vous donne ma parole.
In French culture, you would be said to have manqué à sa parole. This can seriously damage your reputation and trust with others.
Not at all. It adds a sincere touch to a message, though you might use it less often than a simple 'C'est promis'.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic. It's better to save it for significant commitments.
You use the verb tenir. For example: Je tiens toujours ma parole (I always keep my word).
Younger people might say Sur la tête de ma mère (On my mother's head), but this is very informal and should be used with caution.
No, it is a secular expression based on personal honor and social integrity rather than religion.
Yes, for example: Il m'avait donné sa parole (He had given me his word).
It is un homme de parole. It is a very high compliment for someone's character.
Frases relacionadas
Tenir sa parole (To keep one's word)
Manquer à sa parole (To break one's word)
Parole d'honneur (Word of honor)
C'est promis (It's promised)
Engager sa parole (To pledge one's word)
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