Inklingo

How to Say "i recommend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recomiendo

/rreh-koh-mee-EHN-doh//rekoˈmjendo/

verbA1general
Use 'recomiendo' when suggesting a general product, place, or action, often based on personal experience or general knowledge.
A friendly person smiling and pointing towards a delicious-looking bowl of steaming soup on a wooden table.

Examples

Te recomiendo este restaurante, la comida es excelente.

I recommend this restaurant to you; the food is excellent.

Recomiendo leer el libro antes de ver la película.

I recommend reading the book before seeing the movie.

No recomiendo caminar por aquí de noche.

I don't recommend walking through here at night.

The 'E' to 'IE' Swap

In this word, the original 'e' from 'recomendar' changes to 'ie' because it is the part of the word we emphasize when speaking.

Adding a Second Action

If you say 'I recommend that you DO something,' the second verb needs to change its ending to the 'wish' form (e.g., 'Recomiendo que VAYAS' instead of 'vas').

Don't forget the 'i'!

Mistake: “Yo recomendo.”

Correction: Yo recomiendo. Remember, the 'e' must expand to 'ie' for the 'I', 'you', and 'they' forms.

aconsejo

/ah-kohn-SAY-hoh//akonˈsexo/

verbA2general
Use 'aconsejo' when offering specific advice or suggesting a particular course of action, often implying a more considered or formal suggestion.
A wise older explorer in a sunlit forest pointing a younger hiker toward a safe, clear path.

Examples

Te aconsejo que llegues temprano.

I advise you to arrive early.

Yo le aconsejo este restaurante; es mi favorito.

I recommend this restaurant to you; it is my favorite.

No te aconsejo caminar solo por la noche.

I don't suggest walking alone at night.

The 'Advice' Trigger

When you say 'aconsejo que...', the next verb needs a special form (the subjunctive) because you are influencing someone's actions. For example: 'aconsejo que vayas' (I advise that you go) instead of 'vas'.

Aconsejo vs Consejo

Mistake: “Using 'consejo' when you mean the action of advising.”

Correction: Use 'aconsejo' for the action ('I advise') and 'consejo' for the noun ('the advice'). Say 'Te doy un consejo' but 'Te aconsejo estudiar'.

Recomiendo vs. Aconsejo

The most common mistake is using 'recomiendo' when you mean to give specific advice or a strong suggestion for a course of action. Remember, 'recomiendo' is more for general suggestions like places or items, while 'aconsejo' is for advising someone on what they *should do*.

Related Translations

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