implicar
“implicar” means “to involve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to involve
Also: to entail, to imply
📝 In Action
Este trabajo implica viajar mucho.
A2This job involves traveling a lot.
La decisión implica riesgos financieros.
B1The decision entails financial risks.
Ser padre implica una gran responsabilidad.
B1Being a parent involves a great responsibility.
to implicate
Also: to involve
📝 In Action
Las pruebas lo implican en el robo.
B2The evidence implicates him in the robbery.
No me impliques en tus problemas.
B1Don't involve me in your problems.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: implicar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'This entails a risk'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'implicare', where 'in-' means 'into' and 'plicare' means 'to fold'. It literally means to 'fold into' something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'implicar' the same as 'involucrar'?
They are very similar! 'Involucrar' is more common for physical or personal involvement (like 'I got involved in a project'), while 'implicar' is often used for logical consequences (like 'This choice involves a cost').
Can I use 'implicar' to mean 'to imply' a secret message?
Not usually. In English, 'to imply' often means 'to suggest something without saying it.' In Spanish, 'insinuar' is better for that. 'Implicar' means it is a necessary part of the situation.
Does it have a reflexive form?
Yes! 'Implicarse' means to get oneself deeply involved or committed to something, like a cause or a job.