implicar
verbCEFR B2
What does “implicar” mean in English?
to involve, to entail
to involve, to entail (implicar cambios/riesgos — have as a necessary part or consequence; to entail)
Example sentences
El nuevo protocolo implica cambios significativos en la forma en que los equipos gestionan la información confidencial.
The new protocol entails significant changes to how teams manage confidential information.
La investigación judicial implicó a varios altos cargos del ministerio en la trama de corrupción.
The judicial investigation implicated several senior ministry officials in the corruption scheme.
Los ciudadanos deben implicarse activamente en los procesos democráticos para que funcionen correctamente.
Citizens must actively get involved in democratic processes for them to function properly.
How to use it
Implicar means 'to involve', 'to entail', or 'to implicate'. Three senses at B2: (1) conllevar/suponer: 'el proyecto implica grandes cambios' (the project entails major changes); (2) implicar a alguien en algo: 'le implicaron en el escándalo' (they implicated him in the scandal); (3) reflexive — implicarse en: 'se implicó en la campaña' (she got involved in the campaign). Structure for sense 1: algo implica + noun/infinitive. This is the most productive B2 use.
Common mistake
Implicar (entail — sense 1) vs. suponer (suppose/entail). Both can mean 'to entail' but implicar is more formal and analytical. Also: implicar a alguien (implicate — involve in wrongdoing) is a completely different sense. Context distinguishes: if a person is the direct object, it is probably sense 2 (implication in wrongdoing).