Inklingo

sugiere

/soo-HYEH-reh/

suggests

A colorful illustration showing one character gently presenting a glowing lightbulb, symbolizing an idea, to another character who is listening attentively.

This illustration shows one person suggesting an idea (the lightbulb) to another.

sugiere(Verb)

B1irregular (e > ie stem-change) ir

suggests

?

He/She/It suggests an idea

,

recommends

?

He/She/It recommends a course of action

Also:

proposes

?

A plan or solution

📝 In Action

El informe sugiere un cambio en la estrategia de ventas.

B1

The report suggests a change in the sales strategy.

Mi doctor sugiere que coma más verduras.

A2

My doctor suggests that I eat more vegetables.

Ella sugiere que vayamos al cine en lugar de al teatro.

B1

She suggests that we go to the cinema instead of the theater.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • recomienda (recommends)
  • propone (proposes)

Common Collocations

  • sugiere una soluciónsuggests a solution
  • sugiere un plansuggests a plan

💡 Grammar Points

Using the Special Verb Form (Subjunctive)

When someone suggests that another person do something, the second verb changes form. Example: 'Sugiere que terminemos el trabajo' (He suggests we finish the work).

Stem Change Reminder

In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (sugerir -> sugiere), except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: "El jefe sugerimos un cambio."

Correction: El jefe sugiere un cambio. (Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the singular forms.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal and Polite

Though 'sugerir' is neutral, it is often a slightly more formal and polite way to make a recommendation than simply 'decir' (to say).

A curious small brown mouse is only partially visible, peeking out halfway from behind a large, bright yellow stage curtain, implying but not fully revealing the rest of the scene.

The mouse only partially reveals itself, hinting at what might be behind the curtain.

sugiere(Verb)

B2irregular (e > ie stem-change) ir

hints at

?

Implies or indicates subtly

,

implies

?

The meaning is not explicit

Also:

denotes

?

A sign or symbol indicates something

📝 In Action

Su silencio sugiere que no está de acuerdo con la propuesta.

B2

His silence hints that he doesn't agree with the proposal.

La pintura sugiere una profunda tristeza.

C1

The painting implies a deep sadness.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • insinúa (insinuates)
  • indica (indicates)

Common Collocations

  • sugiere un misteriohints at a mystery
  • sugiere la presencia deimplies the presence of

💡 Grammar Points

Impersonal Subjects

In this meaning, the subject is often an inanimate object or concept (e.g., 'El ambiente,' 'La evidencia') rather than a person.

⭐ Usage Tips

Literary Use

This meaning is common when analyzing literature, art, or abstract concepts, where you are trying to describe the underlying message.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedsugiere
yosugiero
sugieres
ellos/ellas/ustedessugieren
nosotrossugerimos
vosotrossugerís

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsugería
yosugería
sugerías
ellos/ellas/ustedessugerían
nosotrossugeríamos
vosotrossugeríais

preterite

él/ella/ustedsugirió
yosugerí
sugeriste
ellos/ellas/ustedessugirieron
nosotrossugerimos
vosotrossugeristeis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedsugiera
yosugiera
sugieras
ellos/ellas/ustedessugieran
nosotrossugiramos
vosotrossugiráis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsugiriera
yosugiriera
sugirieras
ellos/ellas/ustedessugirieran
nosotrossugiriéramos
vosotrossugirierais

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sugiere

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the special verb form (subjunctive) after 'sugiere'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sugerencia(suggestion) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'sugiere' have an 'ie' but 'sugerimos' has an 'e'?

'Sugerir' is a stem-changing verb. This means that when the stress falls on the 'e' in the verb's root (like in 'sugiere'), it changes to 'ie'. When the stress falls elsewhere (like in 'sugerimos'), the 'e' stays the same.

Is 'sugiere' the same as 'recomienda'?

They are very similar synonyms. 'Recomienda' (recommends) often implies a stronger endorsement or approval, usually based on experience or expertise. 'Sugiere' (suggests) is more neutral, simply offering an idea or proposal.