How to Say "to commit" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to commit” is “cometer” — use 'cometer' when referring to the act of doing something wrong, such as a crime, an offense, a mistake, or a sin.
cometer
koh-meh-TERko.meˈteɾ
Examples
El conductor cometió una infracción de tráfico y recibió una multa.
The driver committed a traffic violation and received a fine.
No te preocupes, todos podemos cometer errores.
Don't worry, we can all make mistakes.
Jamás cometería un acto tan deshonesto.
I would never commit such a dishonest act.
Always Needs an Action Receiver
Unlike English, where you can sometimes just 'commit,' in Spanish, 'cometer' always needs to be followed immediately by the mistake or crime being done: 'cometer un error' (commit an error).
Using 'Cometer' for Dedication
Mistake: “Quiero cometer a mi trabajo.”
Correction: Quiero dedicarme a mi trabajo. ('Cometer' is for negative actions; use 'dedicarse' or 'comprometerse' for dedication or promise.)
comprometer
kom-pro-meh-TEHRkompɾomeˈteɾ
Examples
No quiero comprometer mi reputación por un error tan pequeño.
I don't want to jeopardize my reputation for such a small mistake.
Mis padres me comprometieron a asistir a la cena familiar.
My parents committed me to attending the family dinner.
Esa decisión podría comprometer el éxito del proyecto.
That decision could compromise the success of the project.
Using it with 'a'
When you use this word to say you are committing someone to do something, follow it with the word 'a' before the next action: 'Me comprometieron a trabajar los domingos'.
Reflexive Power
When you add 'se' to the end (comprometerse), it changes from putting something at risk to making a personal promise or getting engaged to marry someone.
False Friend Alert
Mistake: “Using 'compromiso' to mean a 'compromise' (agreement where both sides give in).”
Correction: In Spanish, a 'compromise' agreement is better called an 'acuerdo' or 'término medio'. 'Compromiso' usually means a commitment or an obligation.
incurrir
een-koo-reeriŋkuˈriɾ
Examples
No quiero incurrir en el mismo error dos veces.
I don't want to fall into the same mistake twice.
El testigo podría incurrir en un delito si miente bajo juramento.
The witness could be committing a crime if they lie under oath.
Es fácil incurrir en contradicciones si no tienes los datos claros.
It is easy to fall into contradictions if you don't have the facts straight.
The 'En' Connection
Incurrir is a 'team player' verb—it almost always needs the word 'en' after it to link to the mistake or trouble you are talking about.
Formal Tone
While 'cometer un error' is very common, 'incurrir en un error' sounds more professional and is preferred in business or legal writing.
Don't Forget 'En'
Mistake: “Incurrir un error.”
Correction: Incurrir en un error. (Spanish requires the 'en' to link the action to the consequence.)
internar
een-tehr-NAHRinteɾˈnaɾ
Examples
Tuvieron que internar a mi abuela para hacerle unas pruebas.
They had to admit my grandmother to run some tests.
El juez ordenó internar al joven en un reformatorio.
The judge ordered the young man to be sent to a juvenile detention center.
Sus padres lo internaron en un colegio privado en Suiza.
His parents sent him to a private boarding school in Switzerland.
The Personal 'a'
In Spanish, when the person receiving the action is a specific human, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Internaron a María' (They admitted Maria).
Don't confuse with 'enterrar'
Mistake: “Me van a enterrar en el hospital.”
Correction: Me van a internar en el hospital. 'Enterrar' means to bury someone underground, while 'internar' is for staying in a facility.
Mistaking 'cometer' for 'comprometer'
Related Translations
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