Inklingo

How to Say "to implicate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

complicar

/kom-plee-kar//kompliˈkaɾ/

verbC1general
Use 'complicar' when the evidence or situation makes someone *appear* guilty or involved in a crime or problem, suggesting they are now in a difficult or entangled position.
A simple illustration of a hand pointing toward a person standing in a spotlight, suggesting involvement.

Examples

Las pruebas lo complican en el fraude.

The evidence implicates him in the fraud.

No me compliques en tus negocios sucios.

Don't involve me in your dirty business.

Direct Objects

When using this meaning, the person being implicated is the person receiving the action. Use 'lo', 'la', or 'los' to refer to them.

implicar

/eem-plee-kahr//impliˈkaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'implicar' when the evidence directly suggests or proves someone's actual involvement or connection to a crime or problem.
A person pointing a finger at another person who is hiding a stolen object behind their back.

Examples

Las pruebas lo implican en el robo.

The evidence implicates him in the robbery.

No me impliques en tus problemas.

Don't involve me in your problems.

Using 'en'

When you say someone is involved 'in' something using this verb, always use the word 'en' after the person being mentioned.

incriminar

/een-cree-mee-NAHR//inkɾimiˈnaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'incriminar' specifically when evidence is presented to show or prove that someone is guilty of a crime.
A person in a green shirt pointing an accusing finger at a surprised person in a blue shirt while holding a bag of gold coins.

Examples

La policía encontró un arma que podría incriminar al sospechoso.

The police found a weapon that could incriminate the suspect.

Él jura que es inocente y que alguien intentó incriminarlo.

He swears he is innocent and that someone tried to frame him.

No puedes incriminar a nadie sin tener pruebas sólidas.

You cannot implicate anyone without having solid proof.

The 'Personal A'

Since you usually incriminate a person, you must use the word 'a' before the person's name or title (e.g., 'incriminar a Juan').

Using 'de' for the crime

To specify the crime someone is being implicated in, use the word 'de' (e.g., 'lo incriminaron de robo').

Don't use it for minor mistakes

Mistake: “Mi hermana me incriminó de romper el vaso.”

Correction: Mi hermana me culpó de romper el vaso.

Complicar vs. Implicar

Learners often confuse 'complicar' and 'implicar'. Remember that 'complicar' suggests making someone's situation more difficult or tangled through involvement, while 'implicar' points more directly to actual participation or connection to the act itself.

Related Translations

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