How to Say "to recommend" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to recommend” is “recomendar” — use this word when suggesting a specific person, place, or thing that you think someone else will like or benefit from.
recomendar
rreh-koh-mehn-DAHRrekomendˈaɾ
Examples
Te recomiendo este restaurante porque la comida es excelente.
I recommend this restaurant to you because the food is excellent.
Mi amigo me recomendó un libro muy interesante.
My friend recommended a very interesting book to me.
¿Qué plato nos recomiendas hoy?
What dish do you recommend to us today?
The 'E' to 'IE' Shift
When you say 'I recommend' or 'you recommend,' the 'e' in the middle of the word changes to 'ie.' This happens in all forms except for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).
Talking to Someone
In Spanish, we always mention who we are giving the recommendation to by using 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., right before the verb (e.g., 'Te recomiendo' - I recommend to you).
The 'recomendo' trap
Mistake: “Yo recomendo esta película.”
Correction: Yo recomiendo esta película. Why? Remember the 'ie' spelling change whenever that syllable is emphasized!
aconsejar
ah-kohn-seh-HAHRakonseˈxaɾ
Examples
Mi madre me aconseja siempre con mucha paciencia.
My mother always advises me with a lot of patience.
El doctor me aconsejó que durmiera ocho horas.
The doctor advised me to sleep for eight hours.
Te aconsejaría que leyeras el contrato antes de firmar.
I would advise you to read the contract before signing.
Using 'Que' and Subjunctive
When you advise someone to do something, use 'que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Te aconsejo que comas' (I advise you to eat).
Identify the Person Advised
Use little words like 'me', 'te', 'le' before the verb to show who is getting the advice. 'Me aconsejan' means 'They advise me'.
The 'To' Trap
Mistake: “Te aconsejo a estudiar.”
Correction: Te aconsejo estudiar (no 'a' needed before an action) or 'Te aconsejo que estudies'.
proponer
proh-poh-NEHRpɾo.poˈneɾ
Examples
Quiero proponerte algo.
I want to suggest something to you.
El manager propuso un nuevo plan de trabajo.
The manager proposed a new work plan.
¿Qué propones hacer este fin de semana?
What do you suggest doing this weekend?
Stem-changing verb
Proponer is a stem-changing verb! The 'o' in the stem changes to 'ue' in some forms. Notice: propongo, propones, propone, proponen. But in the past tense (preterite) and past participle, it stays regular: propuse, propusiste, propuesto.
Using 'proponer' with other verbs
When you want to propose that someone else do something, use 'proponer + infinitivo' (to propose doing something) or 'proponer que + subjunctive' (to propose that someone do something). Example: 'Propongo ir al cine' (I suggest going to the movies) or 'Propongo que vayamos al cine' (I suggest we go to the movies).
Confusing proponer with ofrecer
Correction: Use 'proponer' for ideas and suggestions: 'Te propongo un cambio' (I suggest a change). Use 'ofrecer' for things you're presenting: 'Te ofrezco mi ayuda' (I offer you my help).
Recomendar vs. Aconsejar
Related Translations
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