vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Cumplir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to achieve", and "prometer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to promise". Learn more about the difference between "cumplir" and "prometer" below.
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.
prometer(
proh
-
meh
-
tehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to predict)
a. to promise
Todos los meteorólogos prometen un día de nieve este jueves.All of the meteorologists promise there will be snow this Thursday.
b. to assure
Nuestro líder de marketing promete un aumento en ingresos este año.Our marketing lead assures an increase in revenue this year.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be promising
Esta película promete. Ha ganado muchos premios.This movie is promising. It's won lots of awards.
prometerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get engaged
Se prometieron el fin de semana pasado y se casarán el mes que viene.They got engaged last weekend and will get married next month.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to promise oneself
Se prometió unas vacaciones en Hawaii después de acabar su licencia.She promised herself a vacation in Hawaii after finishing her degree.
