Break your word Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈwɝd
BRAYK-yer-WURD
bɹˈeɪk/ /jˈɔː/ /wˈɜːd
brayk-YAW-WURD
Definition
To fail to do what you promised or said you would do.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is slightly formal or literary. Common in serious contexts about trust. Often used as 'break my word', 'break his word', etc. Similar to 'break a promise', but 'word' can sound more solemn. Not used for minor things.
Spanish: incumplir tu palabraPortuguese (BR): quebrar sua palavra - não cumprir sua palavraPortuguese (PT): quebrar a tua palavra - não cumprir a tua palavraChinese (Simplified): 失信于人 - 不守承诺Chinese (Traditional): 失信於人 - 不守承諾Hindi: अपना वचन तोड़नाArabic: تخلف عن الوعدBengali: আপনার কথা ভাঙাRussian: нарушить словоJapanese: 約束を破るVietnamese: thất hứaKorean: 약속을 어기다Turkish: sözünü tutmamakUrdu: اپنا وعدہ توڑناIndonesian: mengingkari janji
Example Sentences
If you break your word, people won't trust you.
basic
He promised to help but then he broke his word.
basic
I have never broken my word to you before.
basic
If you break your word just once, it's hard to regain trust.
natural
She would never break her word—she's very honorable.
natural
Don't ask me to break my word; I gave him my promise.
natural