How to Say "to entail" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to entail” is “implicar” — use 'implicar' when something logically necessitates or involves another thing as a direct consequence, often in a practical or task-oriented context.
implicar
eem-plee-kahrimpliˈkaɾ
Examples
Este trabajo implica viajar mucho.
This job involves traveling a lot.
La decisión implica riesgos financieros.
The decision entails financial risks.
Ser padre implica una gran responsabilidad.
Being a parent involves a great responsibility.
The Spelling Swap
When the letter 'c' meets an 'e' in Spanish, it sounds like 's' or 'th.' To keep the hard 'k' sound in the past tense (Yo form) and when expressing wishes (special verb forms), the 'c' changes to 'qu': 'impliqué' instead of 'implicé'.
Imply vs. Hint
Mistake: “Using 'implicar' to mean 'to hint at something subtle.'”
Correction: In Spanish, 'implicar' usually means something is a necessary part or result. If you mean 'to hint,' use 'insinuar'.
acarrear
ah-kah-rreh-ahraka.reˈaɾ
Examples
Fumar puede acarrear graves problemas de salud.
Smoking can cause serious health problems.
Esta decisión va a acarrear muchos gastos extras.
This decision is going to lead to many extra expenses.
Mentir siempre acarrea consecuencias negativas.
Lying always entails negative consequences.
Use with Negative Outcomes
This word is almost exclusively used when the result of an action is something bad, like trouble, cost, or sickness.
Direct Connection
You don't need a word like 'to' after it; the consequence follows the verb directly (e.g., 'acarrear problemas').
Using it for Positive Things
Mistake: “Su ayuda acarreó mucha felicidad.”
Correction: Su ayuda trajo mucha felicidad. 'Acarrear' is usually for negative things.
suponer
soo-poh-NEHRsu.poˈneɾ
Examples
Este proyecto supone un gran desafío para nosotros.
This project involves a great challenge for us.
Comprar una casa supone muchos gastos.
Buying a house entails many expenses.
Abstract Subjects
In this meaning, the 'thing' doing the action is often an idea or a situation (like 'the move' or 'the job'), not a person.
comportar
kom-por-TARkomporˈtaɾ
Examples
Ser el jefe comporta una gran responsabilidad.
Being the boss entails a great responsibility.
Este proyecto comporta riesgos financieros que debemos analizar.
This project involves financial risks that we must analyze.
La libertad siempre comporta deberes.
Freedom always implies duties.
Using 'comportar' for consequences
This verb is used when one action or situation automatically brings another thing with it, like a 'package deal.' Use it when you want to sound professional.
Mixing with 'carry'
Mistake: “Él comporta las bolsas al coche.”
Correction: Él lleva las bolsas al coche. 'Comportar' is for abstract consequences, not physical objects.
conllevar
kohn-yeh-BAHRkoɲeˈβaɾ
Examples
Ser padre conlleva mucha responsabilidad.
Being a parent involves a lot of responsibility.
Esta decisión conlleva un gran riesgo financiero.
This decision entails a great financial risk.
El progreso tecnológico conlleva cambios profundos en la sociedad.
Technological progress carries with it profound changes in society.
Using the word as a bridge
This word acts like a bridge between a situation and its natural consequences. It is almost always followed directly by a noun (the consequence).
Conllevar vs. Llevar
Mistake: “Usar 'llevar' para hablar de consecuencias abstractas.”
Correction: Use 'llevar' for physically carrying things, but 'conllevar' for when an idea or action 'carries' a result with it.
involucrar
een-boh-loo-krahrinboluˈkɾaɾ
Examples
Este proyecto involucra una inversión muy alta.
This project entails a very high investment.
La libertad siempre involucra una gran responsabilidad.
Freedom always entails a great responsibility.
Abstract Subjects
In this formal sense, the thing doing the 'involving' is usually an idea or action, not a person (e.g., 'The plan involves risks').
Conflating Responsibility with Simple Involvement
Related Translations
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