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How to Say "i suggest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recomiendo

/rreh-koh-mee-EHN-doh//rekoˈmjendo/

verbA1general
Use 'recomiendo' when you are recommending something specific, like a place, a product, or an activity, based on your positive experience or 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 advice or a helpful idea to someone, often implying what they *should* do for their own benefit.
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'.

propongo

proh-PON-goh/pɾoˈponɡo/

verbA2general
Use 'propongo' when putting forward a plan, an idea for group consideration, or a proposal that requires agreement.
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.

Examples

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.

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).

Using the regular 'yo' form

Mistake: “Yo propono...”

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

Recomiendo vs. Aconsejo

Learners often confuse 'recomiendo' and 'aconsejo'. Remember that 'recomiendo' is for recommending a specific item or place ('I recommend this book'), while 'aconsejo' is for giving advice ('I advise you to study').

Related Translations

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