Giving Advice in Spanish: I recommend that you... (Aconsejar)
aconsejar + que + [Subjunctive Verb] for a polite, professional tone.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When you advise someone to do something, use 'que' + the subjunctive mood to express the desired action.
- Use the verb 'aconsejar' followed by 'que'. Example: Te aconsejo que estudies.
- The second verb must be in the subjunctive form. Example: Te aconsejo que comas bien.
- If there is no 'que' and no second subject, use the infinitive. Example: Aconsejo comer bien.
Overview
Ever had a friend post a really questionable outfit on their Instagram story and felt the desperate urge to step in? Or maybe you're trying to tell your roommate that they definitely should not eat that two-week-old pizza in the fridge? Giving advice is basically a human superpower.
In Spanish, we don't just use one word for this; we use a whole mood. No, not like a 'bad mood' because you didn't get your coffee, but a grammatical mood called the Subjunctive. Using aconsejar (to advise) is your ticket to being helpful without sounding like you're barking orders.
It’s the difference between saying "Do this!" and "I suggest that you do this." It’s softer, more polite, and honestly, it makes you sound way more fluent than just using the imperative. Think of it as the 'polite suggestion' filter for your speech. We use it for everything from Netflix recommendations to life-changing career tips.
If you want to survive a group chat in Spanish without accidentally starting a fight, you need this rule. Just remember: even if your advice is great, people might still ignore it—that's life, not grammar.
How This Grammar Works
aconsejar, you create a bridge.que. On the other side is the person you’re talking to and the action you want them to take.que), the whole sentence collapses like a bad soufflé. You are essentially saying: "I perform the action of advising, and the content of that advice is that you do X." It’s a two-part sentence structure.Formation Pattern
aconsejar follows a very specific three-step recipe. It's like making a perfect taco; you can't skip the tortilla.
aconsejar. Don't forget the indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to show who you are talking to.
Te aconsejo... (I advise you...)
que. This is non-negotiable. Without it, the sentence doesn't work. It’s the glue that holds your two ideas together.
que must be in the Present Subjunctive.
-ar verbs, use -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
-er and -ir verbs, use -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
hablar (to talk) | comer (to eat) | vivir (to live)
hable | coma | viva
hables | comas | vivas
hable | coma | viva
hablemos | comamos | vivamos
habléis | comáis | viváis
hablen | coman | vivan
When To Use It
Te aconsejo que veas esta película (I advise/suggest you watch this movie).Le aconsejo que descanse mucho (I advise you {formal} rest a lot). You’ll see it in professional settings too.Te aconsejo que cambies el diseño (I advise you change the design) than just telling them it looks bad. It’s even useful for traveling. When you're at a tourist office and they tell you: Les aconsejamos que visiten el museo por la mañana (We advise you all visit the museum in the morning).aconsejar. Just don't use it to tell your cat to stop knocking things off the table—they don't care about the subjunctive.Common Mistakes
que.- ✗
Te aconsejo que tú vas.(Wrong! This sounds like you're stating a weird fact). - ✓
Te aconsejo que tú vayas.(Correct! You are suggesting an action).
- ✗
Aconsejo que comas.(Sounds a bit robotic). - ✓
Te aconsejo que comas.(Much more natural).
que, the sentence breaks. It’s like trying to drive a car without wheels. Finally, be careful with word order. Keep the pronoun before the first verb.- ✗
Aconsejo te que...(Ouch, my ears). - ✓
Te aconsejo que...(Perfecto).
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 1The Direct Command (Imperative):
¡Come más verduras!(Eat more vegetables!). This is high-energy and direct. Use it with kids or close friends when you're being bossy. - 2The Obligation (Tener que):
Tienes que comer más verduras.(You have to eat more vegetables). This sounds like a rule or a necessity. - 3The Soft Advice (Deberías):
Deberías comer más verduras.(You should eat more vegetables). This uses the Conditional tense. It’s very common and very polite, similar toaconsejar. - 4The Influence Pattern (Aconsejar que):
Te aconsejo que comas más verduras.(I advise you to eat more vegetables). This is the most formal and grammatically sophisticated way to do it. It shows you know your stuff! WhileDeberíasis great for casual chats,Aconsejar queis fantastic for when you want to sound educated and precise. It's like choosing between a hoodie and a nice blazer—both are good, but they send different vibes.
Quick FAQ
Can I use recomendar instead of aconsejar?
Absolutely! They work exactly the same way. Te recomiendo que... is arguably even more common in daily life for things like food or movies.
Is it always que + Subjunctive?
If you change the subject, yes. If you are giving a general piece of advice to no one in particular, you can use the infinitive: Es bueno aconsejar descansar. But for 99% of your conversations, stick to the que + Subjunctive formula.
Why does the Subjunctive feel so hard?
Because it’s new! Don't stress. Think of it as the 'Advice Mode.' Every time you want to help someone, flip the 'Subjunctive switch' in your brain.
Do I need to use the subject pronouns like yo or tú?
Usually, no! The verb endings tell us who is talking. Te aconsejo que vayas is perfect. Adding yo and tú makes it sound like you're giving a very dramatic speech.
What if I forget the subjunctive ending and use the normal one?
People will still understand you! They might just think you're a bit tired or new to the language. Keep practicing, and it will click.
Is there a difference between Latin America and Spain here?
The grammar is identical! The only difference is whether you use os aconsejo (Spain) or les aconsejo (Latin America) for a group of friends. Choose your fighter!
Conjugation of Aconsejar (Present)
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
|
Yo
|
Aconsejo
|
|
Tú
|
Aconsejas
|
|
Él/Ella/Ud.
|
Aconseja
|
|
Nosotros
|
Aconsejamos
|
|
Vosotros
|
Aconsejáis
|
|
Ellos/Ellas/Uds.
|
Aconsejan
|
Meanings
This structure is used to offer recommendations or advice to another person, triggering the subjunctive mood because the action is desired but not yet realized.
Direct Advice
Giving specific recommendations to a peer or subordinate.
“Le aconsejo que descanse.”
“Te aconsejo que leas este libro.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Aconsejo que + Subj
|
Te aconsejo que estudies
|
|
Negative
|
Aconsejo que no + Subj
|
Te aconsejo que no salgas
|
|
Question
|
¿Aconsejas que + Subj?
|
¿Me aconsejas que vaya?
|
|
Formal
|
Le aconsejo que + Subj
|
Le aconsejo que espere
|
|
Plural
|
Les aconsejo que + Subj
|
Les aconsejo que coman
|
|
Self-Advice
|
Aconsejo + Infinitive
|
Aconsejo comer sano
|
Formality Spectrum
Le aconsejo que consuma alimentos saludables. (Health advice)
Te aconsejo que comas sano. (Health advice)
Te aconsejo que comas bien. (Health advice)
Te aconsejo que le metas a la comida sana. (Health advice)
The Advice Structure
Trigger
- que that
Mood
- Subjuntivo Subjunctive
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Examples by Level
Te aconsejo que estudies.
I advise you to study.
Le aconsejo que descanse.
I advise him to rest.
Te aconsejo que comas.
I advise you to eat.
Le aconsejo que vaya.
I advise her to go.
Te aconsejo que no salgas hoy.
I advise you not to go out today.
Les aconsejo que lleguen temprano.
I advise you all to arrive early.
Te aconsejo que busques otro trabajo.
I advise you to look for another job.
Le aconsejo que beba agua.
I advise him to drink water.
Te aconsejo que te prepares para el examen.
I advise you to prepare for the exam.
Le aconsejo que hable con el jefe.
I advise him to speak with the boss.
Te aconsejo que ahorres dinero.
I advise you to save money.
Les aconsejo que se cuiden mucho.
I advise you all to take care of yourselves.
Te aconsejo que no te precipites en tu decisión.
I advise you not to rush your decision.
Le aconsejo que considere todas las opciones.
I advise him to consider all options.
Te aconsejo que mantengas la calma.
I advise you to keep calm.
Les aconsejo que se informen bien.
I advise you all to get well informed.
Le aconsejo que proceda con cautela ante tal situación.
I advise him to proceed with caution in such a situation.
Te aconsejo que no te dejes influenciar por terceros.
I advise you not to let yourself be influenced by third parties.
Les aconsejo que analicen los datos exhaustivamente.
I advise you all to analyze the data exhaustively.
Le aconsejo que se abstenga de hacer comentarios.
I advise him to refrain from making comments.
Se le aconseja encarecidamente que reconsidere su postura.
He is strongly advised to reconsider his position.
Te aconsejo que, por el bien de todos, actúes con prudencia.
I advise you that, for the good of all, you act with prudence.
Les aconsejo que no subestimen la complejidad del asunto.
I advise you all not to underestimate the complexity of the matter.
Le aconsejo que se ciña estrictamente al protocolo.
I advise him to stick strictly to the protocol.
Easily Confused
Learners often use them interchangeably without knowing the nuance.
Learners use the indicative after 'que' when giving advice.
Learners use the subjunctive when the subject is the same.
Common Mistakes
Te aconsejo que estudias
Te aconsejo que estudies
Aconsejo estudiar tú
Te aconsejo que estudies
Te aconsejo estudiar
Te aconsejo que estudies
Aconsejo que tú estudias
Te aconsejo que estudies
Te aconsejo que no estudias
Te aconsejo que no estudies
Le aconsejo que va
Le aconsejo que vaya
Te aconsejo que haces
Te aconsejo que hagas
Te aconsejo que hablas
Te aconsejo que hables
Le aconsejo que se cuida
Le aconsejo que se cuide
Te aconsejo que vienes
Te aconsejo que vengas
Se le aconseja que toma
Se le aconseja que tome
Te aconsejo que habrías hecho
Te aconsejo que hagas
Te aconsejo que hablas bien
Te aconsejo que hables bien
Te aconsejo que no habrías ido
Te aconsejo que no vayas
Sentence Patterns
Te aconsejo que ___ más.
Le aconsejo que no ___ eso.
Les aconsejo que ___ a tiempo.
Te aconsejo que ___ con cuidado.
Real World Usage
Te aconsejo que no vayas.
Le aconsejo que se prepare.
Le aconsejo que visite el museo.
Te aconsejo que leas este artículo.
Le aconsejamos que beba agua.
Le aconsejamos que pruebe este plato.
The 'Que' Rule
Avoid Indicative
Same Subject
Formality Matters
Smart Tips
Use 'aconsejar' instead of a direct command.
If it's a suggestion, it's almost always subjunctive.
Use 'Le' and the formal subjunctive.
Place 'no' before the verb.
Pronunciation
Stress on aconsejar
The stress falls on the last syllable: aconse-JAR.
Subjunctive endings
Ensure the final vowel is clear to distinguish from indicative.
Advice intonation
Te aconsejo que... (rising) ...estudies (falling).
Conveys a helpful, sincere tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A-C-O-N-S-E-J-A-R: Always Choose Only New Subjunctive Endings Just After Recommending.
Visual Association
Imagine a traffic light. The 'Aconsejar' is the yellow light, and the 'que' is the green light that tells the next verb to change its color (the subjunctive ending).
Rhyme
When you give advice to a friend, use the subjunctive until the end.
Story
Maria wanted to learn Spanish. Her teacher told her: 'Te aconsejo que practiques'. Maria listened, and now she says: 'Te aconsejo que hables mucho'.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 pieces of advice for a friend using 'Te aconsejo que...' and share them with a native speaker.
Cultural Notes
Advice is often direct. 'Te aconsejo que' is common among friends.
Advice is often softened with 'te sugiero' or 'te recomiendo'.
The 'vos' form is used: 'Te aconsejo que estudies'.
Comes from the Latin 'consilium' (counsel/advice).
Conversation Starters
¿Qué me aconsejas que haga este fin de semana?
¿Me aconsejas que aprenda otro idioma?
¿Qué le aconsejas a alguien que quiere viajar a España?
¿Me aconsejas que cambie de trabajo?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Te aconsejo que ___ (estudiar) más.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Le aconsejo que habla con el jefe.
Tú estudias. (Give advice)
Te aconsejo que ___ (comer) sano.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
que / te / aconsejo / estudies
A: ¿Qué hago? B: Te aconsejo que ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesTe aconsejo que ___ (estudiar) más.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Le aconsejo que habla con el jefe.
Tú estudias. (Give advice)
Te aconsejo que ___ (comer) sano.
Match the subject to the advice.
que / te / aconsejo / estudies
A: ¿Qué hago? B: Te aconsejo que ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesTe aconsejo que ___ (beber) más agua.
aconsejo / que / Te / descanses / hoy
I advise you to speak with her.
A teacher needs to check a document:
Te aconsejo que escuchas música relajante.
Match them up!
Os aconsejo que ___ (salir) ahora.
Formal advice:
Te aconsejo vayas al cine.
We advise you all to eat.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Because advice is a wish for the future, not a fact.
Yes, it works exactly the same way.
Use the infinitive: 'Me aconsejo estudiar'.
Yes, when you change subjects.
Add 'no' before the subjunctive verb.
It depends on the pronoun (Te vs Le).
The subjunctive uses the irregular stem.
Yes, it is very professional.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Je te conseille de...
Spanish uses the subjunctive mood, French uses the infinitive.
Ich rate dir, zu...
German uses the infinitive, Spanish uses the subjunctive.
～したほうがいい
Japanese lacks a subjunctive mood equivalent.
أنصحك بأن...
Arabic uses a particle that triggers a specific verb form.
我建议你...
Chinese has no verb conjugation for mood.
I advise you to...
English uses the infinitive, Spanish uses the subjunctive.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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