How to Say "to suggest" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to suggest” is “proponer” — use 'proponer' when you are offering a specific idea, plan, or proposal for someone to consider, often in a more formal or direct way.
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
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!
sugerir
soo-heh-reersu.xe.ˈɾiɾ
Examples
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.
insinuar
een-see-nwahrinsinuˈaɾ
Examples
Ella insinuó que el examen sería difícil.
She hinted that the exam would be difficult.
¿Qué estás insinuando con esas palabras?
What are you implying with those words?
El jefe insinuó la posibilidad de un ascenso.
The boss suggested the possibility of a promotion.
The Accent Shift
In the present tense, the 'u' gets a written accent (insinúo) to show that the sound is strong and separate, rather than blending into the next vowel.
Using 'que' after the verb
Just like in English we say 'hint that...', in Spanish we almost always use 'que' after 'insinuar' to introduce the thing being hinted.
Confusing with Sugerir
Mistake: “Using 'insinuar' for a helpful, direct suggestion.”
Correction: Use 'sugerir' for direct advice; 'insinuar' is for when you are being indirect or mysterious.
inspirar
een-spee-RAHRinspiˈɾaɾ
Examples
Ella logra inspirar a todos sus alumnos.
She manages to inspire all her students.
Tu valentía me inspira a ser mejor persona.
Your courage inspires me to be a better person.
Ese edificio inspira mucha confianza.
That building instills a lot of confidence.
Using 'a' with People
When you inspire a person, you must use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Él inspira a su equipo' (He inspires his team).
Direct Object Pronouns
If you want to say 'He inspires me', the 'me' comes before the verb: 'Él me inspira'.
Inspire in someone
Mistake: “Me inspira confianza en él.”
Correction: Él me inspira confianza.
Proponer vs. Sugerir vs. Recomendar
Related Translations
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