Inklingo

How to Say "suggestion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sugerencia

soo-heh-REN-see-ah/su.xeˈɾen.sja/

nounB1
Use this for a general idea, advice, or a mild proposal that doesn't necessarily require a formal response.
A storybook illustration showing a character holding a glowing lightbulb, presenting it forward to another character, symbolizing offering an idea or suggestion.

Examples

Tengo una sugerencia para el menú de la cena.

I have a suggestion for the dinner menu.

Aceptamos cualquier sugerencia para mejorar nuestro servicio al cliente.

We accept any suggestion to improve our customer service.

La mejor sugerencia vino del miembro más joven del equipo.

The best recommendation came from the youngest member of the team.

Using 'Sugerencia'

Since 'sugerencia' is the result of the action, you commonly use verbs like hacer (to make) or dar (to give) with it: Hice una sugerencia.

Gender Reminder

Remember that this word is feminine, so you must use feminine words with it: La sugerencia or una buena sugerencia.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “I suggested a suggestion (Yo sugerí una sugerencia).”

Correction: Use the verb *sugerir* (to suggest) or the noun *sugerencia* (suggestion), but not both unnecessarily. Say: *Hice una sugerencia* or *Yo sugerí una idea*.

recomendación

nounA2
Choose this when you are specifically advising someone to do something or recommending a particular item or course of action.

Examples

Mi recomendación es que leas este libro.

My recommendation is that you read this book.

propuesta

/pro-PWEHS-tah//pɾoˈpwesta/

nounB1
This word implies a more formal or serious offer, plan, or bid that is put forward for consideration or acceptance.
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'.

invitación

nounA1
Use this only when the 'suggestion' is specifically an invitation to an event or to participate in something.

Examples

Necesito enviar las invitaciones antes del viernes.

I need to send the invitations before Friday.

Sugerencia vs. Recomendación

Learners often confuse 'sugerencia' and 'recomendación.' While both offer ideas, 'recomendación' is stronger and implies you are advising someone to do something specific, often based on your own experience or judgment. 'Sugerencia' is more general and less directive.

Related Translations

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