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"Comprometer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to compromise", and "cumplir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to achieve". Learn more about the difference between "comprometer" and "cumplir" below.
comprometer(
kohm
-
proh
-
meh
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tehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to compromise
Si no utilizas el cinturón de seguridad, comprometes tu seguridad.If you don't use a seat belt, you compromise your safety.
b. to jeopardize
Proseguir con el juicio puede comprometer las negociaciones.Continuing with the trial may jeopardize the negotiations.
c. to endanger
La construcción de una torre aquí podría comprometer la salud del bosque.Building a tower here could endanger the health of the forest.
a. to implicate
La confesión de Ricardo compromete a su jefe también.Ricardo's confession implicates his boss as well.
b. to involve
No quiero comprometerte; por eso no puedo revelarte mi secreto.I don't want to involve you; that's why I can't reveal my secret to you.
3. (to damage)
a. to spread
La infección va a comprometer los órganos vitales si no se detiene.The infection is going to spread to vital organs if it is not stopped.
b. to affect
La neumonía ha comprometido el pulmón izquierdo del paciente.Pneumonia has affected the patient's left lung.
c. to compromise
El sida es una enfermedad que compromete el sistema inmunitario de aquellos que la padecen.AIDS is a disease that compromises the immune system of those who suffer from it.
comprometerse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to get engaged
Ana Paula y Raymundo se comprometieron en junio.Ana Paula and Raymundo got engaged in June.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to commit oneself
El actor se comprometió a hacer anuncios para la película.The actor committed himself to making commercials for the movie.
b. to promise
Margo se comprometió a traer las botanas a la fiesta.Margo promised to bring snacks to the party.
c. to commit to something
Firmar de recibido no te compromete.Signing to acknowledge receipt does not commit you to anything.
cumplir(
koom
-
pleer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to achieve
Jorge cumplió su sueño de convertirse en médico.Jorge achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
Hay que tener fuerza de voluntad para cumplir tus metas.You need willpower to achieve your goals.
b. to carry out
Los subordinados deben cumplir las órdenes de sus superiores.Subordinates should carry out their superiors' orders.
c. to keep
No cumpliste tu promesa de quererme para siempre.You didn't keep your promise of loving me forever.
e. to observe
Los alumnos tienen que cumplir las normas del colegio.Students must observe the rules of the school.
f. to fulfill (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El presidente cumplió su promesa de postularse para la reelección.The president fulfilled his promise to run for reelection.
g. to fulfil (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Como directivo, tienes que cumplir tus obligaciones de manera profesional.As a manager, you have to fulfil your obligations with professionalism.
2. (to reach)
a. to serve
Ha cumplido diez años de condena por el asesinato.He has served ten years for the murder.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to do one's duty
Deberíamos cumplir aunque no será nada fácil.We should do our duty though it won't be very easy.
a. to feel obliged
Nos invitaron solo por cumplir.They invited us only because they felt obliged to do so.
cumplirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to happen)
a. to come true
Cuando me tocó la lotería, se cumplieron todos mis sueños.When I won the lottery, all my dreams came true.
b. to be implemented
El plan se cumplirá según lo previsto.The plan will be implemented as scheduled.
