proponer
/pɾopoˈneɾ/
To propose in Spanish is proponer.
The verb proponer is used to suggest a plan or course of action. When you are specifically talking about proposing marriage to someone, you use the construction proponerle matrimonio (adding the indirect object pronoun).
Meaning: to suggest a plan or course of action (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people may use the expression pedir la mano instead of solicitar la mano.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of proponer is propongo. The verb proponer is irregular in the preterite tense, using the stem propus-, such as in propusieron. The past participle of proponer is irregular: propuesto.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾopoˈneɾ/
Did you know?
- While proponer can be used for marriage, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, a more common and romantic way to say 'to propose' is to use the verb declararse, which means 'to declare oneself' (to one's feelings).
- Spanish uses the reflexive form proponerse to mean 'to resolve' or 'to set a goal for oneself', which is a different intent than suggesting a plan to others.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase pedir la mano literally means 'to ask for the hand', historically referring to asking the father for permission rather than the partner.
Examples in context
- Quisiera proponer un brindis.I'd like to propose a toast.This sentence shows how to use proponer to suggest a toast.Tatoeba #5078853 by carenas, translation #1936393 by CK
- ¿Qué fue lo que le provocó proponerle matrimonio?What tempted him to propose to her?This sentence demonstrates how to use proponer when talking about proposing marriage to someone.Tatoeba #1004389 by ulymarrero, translation #25040 by CK
- La delegación de los Estados Unidos desea proponer una solución bilateral.The delegation of the United States would like to propose a bilateral solution.This sentence illustrates using proponer to suggest a formal solution.Tatoeba #5129991 by albrusgher, translation #3922811 by Damari
- Ayer, Juan le propuso matrimonio a María en el parque.Yesterday, Juan proposed marriage to María in the park.
- Carlos hizo una propuesta de matrimonio muy romántica a Ana.Carlos made a very romantic marriage proposal to Ana.
- Pedro solicitó la mano de Laura al padre de ella.Pedro requested Laura's hand from her father.
- María le pidió a Pedro que fuera su novio.María asked Pedro to be her boyfriend.
- Ricardo le está lanzando los perros a Sofía.Ricardo is trying hard to win Sofía's heart.
- Fernando pidió la mano de Elena.Fernando asked for Elena's hand.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are deciding where to eat lunch.
- LucíaQuiero proponer un restaurante nuevo para hoy.I want to propose a new restaurant for today.
- DanielMe parece bien, ¿cuál es?Sounds good to me, which one is it?
- LucíaVoy a proponer el sitio de pastas italiano.I am going to propose the Italian pasta place.
- Daniel¡Perfecto, vamos allá!Perfect, let's go there!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “propose” translations and entries proponer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
