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How to Say "offer" in Spanish

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oferta

oh-FEHR-tahoˈfeɾta

nounB1general
Use 'oferta' for a general proposal, suggestion, or a special deal, especially in commercial contexts like sales or job opportunities.
A person gently extends their hands holding a brightly colored, wrapped gift box toward another person, symbolizing a proposal or suggestion.

Examples

Recibió una oferta de trabajo muy buena en la capital.

She received a very good job offer in the capital.

Nuestra oferta de paz fue rechazada por el otro equipo.

Our offer of peace was rejected by the other team.

Hicimos una oferta por la casa, pero no la aceptaron.

We made an offer on the house, but they didn't accept it.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'oferta' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La oferta fue excelente'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Me di una oferta.”

Correction: Me hicieron una oferta. (We use the verb 'hacer' (to make) or 'recibir' (to receive) with 'oferta'.)

propuesta

pro-PWEHS-tahpɾoˈpwesta

nounB1formal, business
Choose 'propuesta' when referring to a formal plan or suggestion, particularly in business, projects, or official dealings.
A stylized illustration of a hand presenting a formal rolled-up scroll tied with a ribbon, symbolizing a formal document or plan.

Examples

La propuesta de la compañía fue rechazada por el cliente.

The company's proposal was rejected by the client.

¿Qué propuesta tienes para mejorar el proceso?

What suggestion do you have to improve the process?

Su propuesta de matrimonio fue muy romántica.

His marriage proposal was very romantic.

Always Feminine

'Propuesta' is always a feminine word, even though it doesn't end in -o. You must use the feminine articles: 'la propuesta' (the proposal) or 'una propuesta' (a proposal).

Gender Error

Mistake: “El propuesta”

Correction: La propuesta. Remember, it's feminine, so use 'la'.

puja

poo-hahˈpuxa

nounB1financial, competitive
Use 'puja' specifically for a financial or competitive offer, such as in an auction or when bidding on something.
A wooden gavel resting on a circular base on a table.

Examples

He hecho una puja de cincuenta euros por el cuadro.

I have made a fifty-euro bid for the painting.

La puja ganadora fue anunciada al final de la subasta.

The winning bid was announced at the end of the auction.

Hubo una fuerte puja entre los dos coleccionistas.

There was a strong bidding war between the two collectors.

Gender of Puja

Puja is a feminine noun, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Puja vs. Subasta

A 'subasta' is the whole auction event, while a 'puja' is the specific amount of money you offer.

The 'Push' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'puja' to mean a physical push on a door.”

Correction: Use 'empujón' for a physical push. 'Puja' is mostly for bids or internal physical effort (like in labor).

proposición

nounB1personal, formal
Employ 'proposición' when the offer is a suggestion for marriage or a formal proposal of a deal between individuals.

Examples

Le hizo una proposición de matrimonio en la playa.

He made her a marriage proposal on the beach.

Oferta vs. Propuesta

Learners often confuse 'oferta' and 'propuesta.' Use 'oferta' for general deals, sales, or job offers, while 'propuesta' is more for formal business plans or project suggestions.

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