Inklingo

How to Say "to involve" in Spanish

English → Spanish

suponer

/soo-poh-NEHR//su.poˈneɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'suponer' when 'to involve' means requiring a certain effort, condition, or a significant undertaking.
A person climbing a steep, winding mountain path to reach a small house at the top.

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.

traer

/trah-er//tɾaˈeɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'traer' when 'to involve' means to bring about, necessitate, or lead to a particular consequence or situation.
A single blue domino tile has just fallen over and is pushing the first tile of a long line of red dominoes, illustrating a chain reaction or causation.

Examples

La crisis económica trae consigo muchas preocupaciones.

The economic crisis involves (brings with it) many worries.

Tu actitud trajo problemas a todo el equipo.

Your attitude caused problems for the whole team.

¿Qué nos trae el futuro?

What does the future hold for us? (Literally: What does the future bring us?)

Abstract Use

When 'traer' is used figuratively, it acts just like the physical meaning, but the 'object' is usually an idea or event (e.g., problems, happiness, confusion).

Suponer vs. Traer

Learners often confuse 'suponer' and 'traer' because both can indicate something that comes with a situation. Remember that 'suponer' implies a necessary condition or effort, while 'traer' suggests a resulting consequence or accompaniment.

Related Translations

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