As a warm and friendly way to ask for recommendations, learning how to say “What do you recommend?” in Spanish is a useful phrase to have in your language toolkit. Whether you’re visiting a Spanish-speaking country or conversing with a native Spanish speaker, we’ll explore various formal and informal ways to express this question. In this guide, we’ll also provide you with helpful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “What Do You Recommend?”
When in a formal or polite setting, it’s important to use the appropriate language to show respect. Here are three formal ways to ask for recommendations in Spanish:
- “¿Qué me recomienda usted?” – This phrase translates to “What do you recommend to me?” and is a polite way to seek advice. The use of “usted” signifies respect towards the person you are speaking with.
- “¿Qué me aconseja?” – This translates to “What do you advise me?” and expresses the same sentiment of seeking recommendations politely.
- “¿Cuál sería su recomendación?” – This phrase translates to “What would be your recommendation?” and is a formal and respectful way to ask for advice.
Informal Ways to Say “What Do You Recommend?”
Now, let’s explore some informal ways to ask for recommendations in Spanish. These phrases are more suitable when conversing with friends, peers, or in laid-back situations:
- “¿Qué me recomiendas?” – This is a common way to ask for recommendations among friends and acquaintances. It translates to “What do you recommend to me?”
- “¿Qué sugieres?” – This phrase translates to “What do you suggest?” and also works well in informal settings to ask for recommendations.
- “¿Qué me aconsejas?” – Similar to “¿Qué me recomiendas?” this phrase translates to “What do you advise me?” and is commonly used in friendly conversations.
Adding a Regional Touch
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and there can be slight regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Feel free to use them regardless of your specific location.
Examples of “What Do You Recommend?” in Spanish
To help you better understand how to use these phrases, let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1:
Formal: Cliente: ¿Qué me recomienda usted para cenar esta noche?
Translation: Customer: What do you recommend for dinner tonight?
Waiter: Le recomiendo nuestro plato especial del día, el cual es muy sabroso.
Translation: Waiter: I recommend our daily special, which is very tasty.
Example 2:
Informal: Amigo: ¿Qué me recomiendas para leer durante las vacaciones?
Translation: Friend: What do you recommend for reading during the vacation?
Amiga: Te sugiero que leas este libro emocionante que acabo de terminar.
Translation: Friend: I suggest you read this exciting book that I just finished.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to adapt your language based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. The phrases provided above should cover most situations, ensuring you can confidently seek recommendations in both formal and informal scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve learned several ways to ask “What do you recommend?” in Spanish. From formal to informal phrases, this guide has equipped you to seek advice politely and casually. Remember to be polite and consider your relationship with the person you’re speaking to when selecting the appropriate phrase. As you practice these phrases, your Spanish fluency will continue to improve, leading to more exciting and engaging conversations with native speakers.
