A friendly character stands, holding up a large, glowing lightbulb with both hands towards another character, symbolizing the act of offering or suggesting an idea.

propongo

proh-PON-goh

VerbA2irregular er

I suggest?Offering an idea or plan,I propose?Making a formal proposal or toast

Also:I offer?Offering a solution or alternative,I nominate?Putting forward a candidate

Quick Reference

past Participlepropuesto

infinitiveproponer

gerundproponiendo

📝 In Action

Yo propongo que comamos pizza esta noche.

I suggest that we eat pizza tonight.

Propongo un nuevo plan para reducir costos.

I propose a new plan to reduce costs.

Si nadie tiene otra idea, yo propongo a Ana para el comité.

If no one has another idea, I nominate Ana for the committee.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sugiero (I suggest)
ofrezco (I offer)

Common Collocations

propongo un trato – I propose a deal
propongo una solución – I propose a solution

💡 Grammar Points

The Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'yo' form (I) of the verb 'proponer' is irregular, ending in '-go'. This is a common pattern for verbs related to 'poner' (to put), like 'tengo' (I have) and 'salgo' (I leave).

Using 'Que' after Suggestion

When you suggest an action for someone else, you must use the special verb form (the subjunctive) after 'propongo que.' Example: 'Propongo que tú vayas' (I suggest that you go).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the regular 'yo' form

Mistake: "Yo propono..."

Correction: Yo propongo... The 'yo' form always takes the irregular '-go' ending.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Informal

While you can use 'sugiero' (I suggest) for everyday things, 'propongo' sounds stronger and is perfect for formal settings, meetings, or serious discussions.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

vosotrosproponéis

él/ella/ustedpropone

túpropones

yopropongo

nosotrosproponemos

ellos/ellas/ustedesproponen

preterite

vosotrospropusisteis

él/ella/ustedpropuso

túpropusiste

yopropuse

nosotrospropusimos

ellos/ellas/ustedespropusieron

imperfect

vosotrosproponíais

él/ella/ustedproponía

túproponías

yoproponía

nosotrosproponíamos

ellos/ellas/ustedesproponían

subjunctive

present

vosotrospropongáis

él/ella/ustedproponga

túpropongas

yoproponga

nosotrospropongamos

ellos/ellas/ustedespropongan

imperfect

vosotrospropusierais

él/ella/ustedpropusiera

túpropusieras

yopropusiera

nosotrospropusiéramos

ellos/ellas/ustedespropusieran

View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: propongo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'propongo' to suggest a group activity?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

proponer(to propose, to suggest) - verb

la propuesta(the proposal, the suggestion) - noun

la proposición(the proposition, the motion) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'propongo' have a '-go' ending?

'Propongo' is based on the highly irregular verb 'poner' (to put). Many verbs derived from 'poner', like 'proponer' (to propose) and 'componer' (to compose), follow the same pattern, giving them the irregular '-go' ending in the 'yo' form of the present tense.

Is 'propongo' more formal than 'sugiero'?

Yes, generally. While both mean 'I suggest,' 'propongo' (I propose) often implies a more structured, formal, or significant suggestion, like a business plan or a toast, whereas 'sugiero' (I suggest) is used for casual, everyday ideas.