swear
word
/ˈswɛɹ/
swair
/swˈeə/
swair
Definition
To make a serious promise, often using God's name, or to use rude or offensive language (bad words).
Usage & Nuances
Can be formal (promise/oath: 'I swear to tell the truth') or informal (using bad language: 'He swears a lot'). 'Swear' meaning 'use bad words' is very informal. Be careful: this word can sound strong or offensive depending on the context. Don't confuse 'swear in' (oath ceremony) with using bad language.
Spanish: jurar - decir palabrotasPortuguese (BR): jurar - xingarPortuguese (PT): jurar - praguejarChinese (Simplified): 发誓 - 骂人（说脏话）Chinese (Traditional): 發誓 - 罵人（說髒話）Hindi: कसम खाना - गाली देनाArabic: يحلف - يسبBengali: শপথ করা - গালিগালাজ করাRussian: клясться - ругаться (матом)Japanese: 誓う - 悪口を言うVietnamese: thề - chửi thềKorean: 맹세하다 - 욕하다Turkish: yemin etmek - küfretmekUrdu: قسم کھانا - گالی دیناIndonesian: bersumpah - mengumpat
Example Sentences
I swear I didn't take your phone.
basic
Please don't swear in class.
basic
He swore to always help his family.
basic
She got angry and started to swear loudly.
natural
Can you swear that what you said is true?
natural
I didn't mean to swear—it just slipped out.
natural