sugerir
/soo-heh-reer/
to suggest
Sugerir: Offering a new idea or plan to others.
sugerir(verb)
to suggest
?to offer an idea or plan
to propose
?to put forward a formal suggestion
📝 In Action
Te sugiero que leas este libro.
B1I suggest that you read this book.
¿Qué me sugieres para cenar?
A2What do you suggest I have for dinner?
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Que' Rule
When you suggest that someone else should do something, use 'que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Sugiero que hables con ella' (I suggest that you talk to her).
Stem Changes
This verb is tricky! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present forms (sugiero), and it even changes to a single 'i' in the past (sugirió) and the special wish-forms (sugiramos).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'Que'
Mistake: "Sugiero tú vas."
Correction: Sugiero que vayas. You need 'que' to link the two parts of the sentence and the special subjunctive verb form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Polite
Using 'te sugeriría' (the conditional form) makes your suggestion sound even more polite and less bossy.
Sugerir: To evoke or bring a specific image to mind.
sugerir(verb)
to evoke
?to bring to mind a feeling or image
to hint at
?to indicate something indirectly
📝 In Action
Este cuadro sugiere una sensación de paz.
B2This painting suggests a feeling of peace.
Sus palabras sugerían algo más profundo.
B2Her words hinted at something deeper.
💡 Grammar Points
No 'Que' Needed
When 'sugerir' means 'to evoke' a thing or feeling, you don't need a second clause or a special verb form. Just use it directly with a noun: 'El olor sugiere el mar' (The smell suggests the sea).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sugerir
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct 'yo' form in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sugerir' formal?
It's quite neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly appropriate for business meetings or writing.
What's the difference between 'sugerir' and 'proponer'?
'Sugerir' is often a bit softer, like giving an idea for consideration. 'Proponer' (to propose) sounds slightly more formal or decisive, like putting a specific plan on the table.