Which one should you use?
There is a difference in strength between sugerir and proponer. Use sugerir when you are offering a soft recommendation or an idea. Use proponer when you want to make a stronger, more formal proposal or a specific plan of action.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you suggest something to someone, you use the preposition a before the person receiving the suggestion (sugerir algo a alguien). If you use a subordinate clause to suggest that someone do something, you must use the subjunctive mood (sugerir que + subjunctive). Note that sugerir is an irregular verb in the present subjunctive. For example, the form sugiera is used. In the past tense, the third-person singular preterite form is sugirió, which features an accent on the o.
How do you pronounce it?
/suxeˈɾiɾ/
Did you know?
- While sugerir means 'to suggest', it can also be used to describe a subtle visual clue, such as how a painting might sugerir the presence of a ghost without showing it clearly.
- Although sugerir and proponer both translate to 'suggest' or 'propose', proponer is the only one used when offering a marriage proposal, propuesta de matrimonio.
- The verb sugerir shares the same Latin root as the English word 'suggest', meaning both words evolved from the Latin 'suggerere', which literally means 'to carry up' or 'to bring under'.
Examples in context
- Sugeriría el cambio siguiente.I'd suggest the following change.This sentence demonstrates the use of the conditional form of sugerir to make a suggestion.Tatoeba #7666527 by arh, translation #2109139 by CK
- Estaba a punto de sugerir lo mismo.I was about to suggest the same thing.This sentence shows the use of sugerir in a continuous past context.Tatoeba #3668085 by Seael, translation #2539276 by CK
- Nadie fue capaz de sugerir una solución.Nobody was able to suggest a solution.This sentence shows how to use sugerir to express the ability to offer a solution.Tatoeba #831201 by LugoIlmer, translation #276617 by CK
- Te recomendaría ir al museo.I would suggest you go to the museum.
- Le propongo organizar una reunión.I suggest organizing a meeting.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- María¿Qué quieres cenar, Alejandro?What do you want to eat for dinner, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo lo sé, ¿qué me puedes sugerir?I don't know, what can you suggest to me?
- MaríaTe sugiero comer pizza esta noche.I suggest we eat pizza tonight.
- Alejandro¡Es una excelente idea, María!That is an excellent idea, María!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sugerir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sugerir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
