Inklingo

How to Say "to incriminate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

incriminar

/een-cree-mee-NAHR//inkɾimiˈnaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'incriminar' when the focus is on the action of making someone *appear* guilty or implicating them through evidence or association.
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.

inculpar

/een-kool-PAR//inkulˈpaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'inculpar' when the focus is on formally accusing someone of a crime or directly blaming them, often implying a stronger sense of guilt being assigned.
A person in a shadow is placing a stolen-looking necklace into an unsuspecting person's open bag.

Examples

No hay suficientes pruebas para inculpar al sospechoso.

There isn't enough evidence to incriminate the suspect.

Él intentó inculpar a su compañero para salvarse.

He tried to blame his partner to save himself.

Fue inculpado injustamente por un crimen que no cometió.

He was unjustly charged for a crime he didn't commit.

The Personal 'a'

Since 'inculpar' involves doing something to a person, you must use 'a' before the name or noun of the person being accused (e.g., 'Inculpar a Juan').

Connecting the Crime

Use the word 'de' to link the person to the specific crime or fault, like saying 'to incriminate someone of something'.

Confusing 'Culpar' and 'Inculpar'

Mistake: “Using 'inculpar' for small daily mistakes like 'inculpé a mi hermano por comerse el pastel'.”

Correction: Use 'culpar' for general blame and 'inculpar' for formal or legal accusations of crimes.

Choosing between 'incriminar' and 'inculpar'

Learners often confuse 'incriminar' and 'inculpar' because they both relate to making someone seem guilty. Remember that 'incriminar' often implies implication or suggestion, while 'inculpar' leans more towards direct accusation or assigning blame.

Related Translations

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