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How to Say "to propose" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to propose” is “sugerir” — use 'sugerir' when proposing a formal suggestion, idea, or plan to someone, often with the expectation that they will consider it..

English → Spanish

sugerir

/soo-heh-reer//su.xe.ˈɾiɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'sugerir' when proposing a formal suggestion, idea, or plan to someone, often with the expectation that they will consider it.
A person holding a glowing lightbulb and offering it to a group of friends sitting around a table.

Examples

Te sugiero que revisemos el plan de negocios antes de presentarlo.

I suggest that we review the business plan before presenting it.

Te sugiero que leas este libro.

I suggest that you read this book.

¿Qué me sugieres para cenar?

What do you suggest I have for dinner?

The 'Que' Rule

When you suggest that someone else should do something, use 'que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Sugiero que hables con ella' (I suggest that you talk to her).

Stem Changes

This verb is tricky! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present forms (sugiero), and it even changes to a single 'i' in the past (sugirió) and the special wish-forms (sugiramos).

Missing the 'Que'

Mistake: “Sugiero tú vas.”

Correction: Sugiero que vayas. You need 'que' to link the two parts of the sentence and the special subjunctive verb form.

ofrecer

/o-fre-sér//o.fɾeˈseɾ/

verbA1
Use 'ofrecer' when proposing something as an offer or a choice, such as a service, a product, or a gesture of goodwill.
A cheerful cartoon character offers a brightly colored, wrapped gift box with both hands to another unseen character.

Examples

El hotel ofrece un servicio de transporte gratuito al aeropuerto.

The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the airport.

El camarero nos ofreció café y postre.

The waiter offered us coffee and dessert.

Le ofrecí mi ayuda para mover los muebles.

I offered him my help to move the furniture.

La empresa ofrece un servicio de atención al cliente excelente.

The company provides excellent customer service.

The 'Yo' Form Irregularity (c > zc)

In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes from 'ofreco' to 'ofrezco'. This 'zc' pattern is required for all verbs ending in '-ecer' and '-ucir' (like 'conocer' or 'traducir').

Forgetting the 'zc'

Mistake: “Yo ofreco”

Correction: Yo ofrezco. The 'zc' sound is needed to connect the verb stem to the 'o' ending.

Don't confuse offering with suggesting

Learners often confuse 'ofrecer' and 'sugerir' because both can introduce something. Remember, 'ofrecer' is about presenting something as an option or an offer, while 'sugerir' is about putting forward an idea or recommendation for consideration.

Related Translations

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