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How to Say "proposal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

propuesta

/pro-PWEHS-tah//pɾoˈpwesta/

nounB1formal
Use 'propuesta' for a formal plan, idea, or suggestion presented for consideration, often in business or academic settings.
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'.

oferta

oh-FEHR-tah/oˈfeɾta/

nounB1formal business
Use 'oferta' specifically for a job offer or a commercial offer in a business context.
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'.)

iniciativa

/ee-nee-syah-tee-bah//iniθjaˈtiβa/

nounB2formal
Use 'iniciativa' for a suggestion or plan aimed at solving a problem or improving a situation, often implying action.
A group of people planting small trees together in a park.

Examples

Es una iniciativa para limpiar las playas.

It is an initiative to clean the beaches.

El gobierno lanzó una nueva iniciativa educativa.

The government launched a new educational initiative.

Using 'a iniciativa de'

This phrase is used to say that something happened because a specific person suggested it. Example: 'A iniciativa de María, fuimos al cine' (At Maria's suggestion, we went to the movies).

proyecto

pro-YEK-toh/pɾoˈʝekto/

nounA1general
Use 'proyecto' for a project, especially a school project or a plan that is being developed and will be presented.
A friendly cartoon person sitting at a wooden table, carefully studying a simple rolled-out blueprint that outlines a small, planned house. A pencil rests nearby.

Examples

Nuestro proyecto final es construir una maqueta de la ciudad.

Our final project is to build a model of the city.

Necesitamos aprobar el proyecto de presupuesto antes de fin de mes.

We need to approve the budget proposal before the end of the month.

Mi abuelo siempre habla de su proyecto de vida.

My grandfather always talks about his life plan.

Gender Rule

Even though many Spanish words ending in -a are feminine, 'proyecto' follows the rule for words ending in -o: it is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Hicimos un proyecto.”

Correction: Realizamos un proyecto. ('Hacer' is fine but 'realizar' or 'ejecutar' (to execute) are often better verbs for formal projects.)

Propuesta vs. Proyecto

Learners often confuse 'propuesta' and 'proyecto'. Remember that 'propuesta' is the general term for a formal suggestion or plan, while 'proyecto' typically refers to a specific task or undertaking, like a school project or a plan in development.

Related Translations

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