B1 Subjunctive 8 min read Medium

Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir)

Connect two subjects with que and use the subjunctive to make natural, polite Spanish suggestions.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you suggest that someone else do something, use the verb 'sugerir' followed by 'que' and the subjunctive mood.

  • Use the indicative for facts, but the subjunctive for suggestions: 'Sugiero que vayas'.
  • The subject of the first verb must be different from the subject of the second verb.
  • If there is no 'que', use the infinitive: 'Sugiero ir' (I suggest going).
Subject A + Sugerir + que + Subject B + Verb (Subjunctive)

Overview

Ever tried to suggest a Netflix show to a Spanish friend and ended up sounding like a drill sergeant?

In English, we say "I suggest that you watch this."

It sounds pretty straightforward, right?

But in Spanish, suggestions live in a different world.

They don't live in the world of facts.

They live in the world of possibilities and influence.

This is why we use a special mood called the subjunctive.

Using sugerir (to suggest) is your first real step into this mood.

It’s like moving from black-and-white TV to 4K color.

Suddenly, your sentences have more flavor and nuance.

Don't let the word "subjunctive" scare you off.

It’s just a way to show you aren't the boss of everyone.

You are just throwing an idea out into the universe.

Think of it as the "polite influencer" mode of Spanish.

Making suggestions is a huge part of daily life.

You do it when picking a restaurant on Google Maps.

You do it when telling a friend to delete a cringe TikTok.

You even do it when suggesting a new skin in a game.

In Spanish, the verb sugerir is your best friend for this.

But sugerir is a bit of a high-maintenance friend.

It demands that the verb following it changes its form.

This change signals that the action hasn't happened yet.

It might happen, or it might not—it's up to the other person.

This "uncertainty" is exactly what the subjunctive is for.

If you use the regular (indicative) form, you sound too certain.

You might even sound like you are reporting a fact.

"I suggest that you are going" sounds weird in any language.

So, we learn the "que" bridge and the subjunctive dance.

It makes you sound natural, modern, and way more chill.

Plus, it’s a great way to impress your Spanish-speaking crush.

Just don't suggest they change their haircut on the first date.

That's a different grammar rule called "how to stay single."

How This Grammar Works

To use sugerir correctly, you need a specific sentence structure.
We call this the "Two-Subject Rule."
Subject 1 is the person making the suggestion (usually you).
Subject 2 is the person who would actually do the action.
Between these two subjects, we place the magic word que.
Think of que as a literal bridge between your brain and theirs.
On your side of the bridge, you use sugerir.
On their side of the bridge, the action verb goes into the subjunctive.
Why? Because you can't control what they actually do.
Your suggestion is just a "vibe" until they decide to act.
If you are suggesting something to yourself (we), the rule changes.
But for now, focus on the "I suggest that YOU..." pattern.
This is the most common way to use it in texts and chats.
It shows respect for the other person's agency.
It’s the difference between "Do this!" and "I think you should do this."
One gets you a drink thrown in your face; the other gets a thank you.
Choose wisely, young Padawan.

Formation Pattern

1
Let’s break down the actual steps to build these sentences.
2
It’s like following a recipe for the perfect empanada.
3
Conjugate sugerir for the person making the suggestion.
4
Remember: sugerir has a stem change (e to ie).
5
Yo sugiero, Tú sugieres, Él sugiere.
6
Add the word que right after the verb.
7
This is non-negotiable. Don't skip the bridge!
8
Identify the second subject (the person doing the action).
9
, él, la(f) amiga, etc.
10
Change the second verb into the present subjunctive.
11
For -ar verbs: use -e endings (e.g., hablar -> hable).
12
For -er and -ir verbs: use -a endings (e.g., comer -> coma).
13
Check for stem changes in the subjunctive verb too!
14
This is where it gets spicy, so stay alert.
15
Conjugation Table for sugerir (Present Indicative):
16
Form | Example | Translation
17
--- | --- | ---
18
Yo | Yo sugiero | I suggest
19
Tú | Tú sugieres | You suggest
20
Él/Ella | Él sugiere | He/She suggests
21
Nosotros | Nosotros sugerimos | We suggest
22
Vosotros | Vosotros sugerís | You all suggest
23
Ellos/Ellas | Ellos sugieren | They suggest
24
Wait, notice that sugerir only changes to ie in the "boot" forms.
25
Nosotros and vosotros stay regular in the indicative.
26
But in the subjunctive? Things get even funkier.
27
But let's stick to the basics for A1.
28
Focus on Yo sugiero que... + Subjunctive.
29
It’s the "Golden Key" to 90% of your daily suggestions.

When To Use It

Use this pattern whenever you want to be helpful without being bossy.
It's perfect for travel vlogging or giving advice to followers.
"Sugiero que visiten el(m) museo por la mañana."
(I suggest you all visit the museum in the morning.)
It’s the standard for WhatsApp group chats when planning dinner.
"Sugiero que pidamos pizza hoy."
(I suggest we order pizza today.)
Notice how "we" (nosotros) also works here!
Use it when ordering food online and recommending a dish to a friend.
"Te sugiero que pruebes el(m) sushi de este lugar."
(I suggest you try the sushi from this place.)
It’s also great for job interviews on Zoom to show initiative.
"Sugiero que analicemos los datos de la semana pasada."
(I suggest we analyze last week's data.)
Basically, if you are being a "Good Samaritan" of advice, use this.
It works for Netflix, Spotify playlists, and Uber routes.
It’s the language of collaboration, not command.
If you use the imperative (commands) too much, people stop inviting you to parties.
Don't be that person. Use sugerir.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake is forgetting the que.
English speakers often say "I suggest you to go."
In Spanish, you cannot say Yo sugiero tú ir.
That sounds like a caveman trying to use a smartphone.
Another trap is using the indicative (regular) verb after que.
Sugiero que vas is wrong. It should be Sugiero que vayas.
The indicative is for reality; the subjunctive is for your "vibe."
Also, watch out for the stem change in sugerir.
It’s sugiero, not sugero. Don't drop that i!
Finally, remember gender agreement in your suggestions.
If you suggest a la(f) ensalada, don't call it el(m) ensalada.
Spanish nouns are picky about their clothes (articles).
Small mistakes are okay, though. Your friends will still understand.
Just don't suggest they go to a "bad" restaurant by accident.
Grammar can't save you from a bad taco, unfortunately.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

You might know recomendar (to recommend).
It works exactly the same way as sugerir.
Te sugiero que... vs Te recomiendo que....
Sugerir is slightly softer and more indirect.
Recomendar feels a bit more like expert advice.
Then there is querer (to want).
Quiero que vayas (I want you to go) is much stronger.
It sounds more like a demand or a strong desire.
If you want to be chill, stick with sugerir.
If you are a boss or a parent, you might use pedir (to ask/request).
Te pido que... is more formal and serious.
Think of it as a spectrum of "bossiness."
Sugerir is on the cool, relaxed end of that spectrum.
It’s the "cool older cousin" of Spanish verbs.

Quick FAQ

Q

Do I always have to use the subjunctive after sugerir que?

Yes, if there is a change of subject. It’s a grammatical law.

Q

Can I just say Sugiero ir?

Yes! If there is no specific person (just "going" in general), use the infinitive.

Q

Is sugerir used differently in Spain vs. Mexico?

The grammar is the same, but the verbs you suggest might change!

Q

What if I'm suggesting something to myself?

You usually use the infinitive or Sugiero que nosotros... + subjunctive.

Q

Is the subjunctive hard to learn?

It takes practice, but once you get the "mood," it becomes second nature.

Q

Can I use sugerir in a text message?

Absolutely, it’s very common in professional and social texts.

Q

Does sugerir change in the past tense?

Yes, but let's stick to the present for now. One step at a time!

Q

What is a "stem change"?

It's when the middle of the verb changes when you conjugate it.

Q

Why is it called a "mood"?

Because it reflects the speaker's attitude or feeling about the action.

Q

Can I use emojis with my suggestions?

Please do. A 💡 or 🥘 makes a suggestion much friendlier!

Subjunctive Conjugation for Suggestions

Subject -ar (Hablar) -er (Comer) -ir (Vivir)
Yo
hable
coma
viva
hables
comas
vivas
Él/Ella/Ud.
hable
coma
viva
Nosotros
hablemos
comamos
vivamos
Vosotros
habléis
comáis
viváis
Ellos/Ellas/Uds.
hablen
coman
vivan

Meanings

The verb 'sugerir' is used to propose an action or idea to another person. When the suggestion involves a different subject performing the action, the subjunctive mood is required.

1

Direct Suggestion

Proposing an action for another person.

“Sugiero que salgamos temprano.”

“Ella sugiere que tú leas este libro.”

2

Impersonal Suggestion

Suggesting an action without a specific person.

“Sugiero ir al cine.”

“Sugiero comer algo ligero.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Sugiero que + Subj.
Sugiero que estudies.
Negative
No sugiero que + Subj.
No sugiero que salgas.
Interrogative
¿Sugieres que + Subj.?
¿Sugieres que vayamos?
Same Subject
Sugiero + Infinitive
Sugiero ir al cine.
Impersonal
Se sugiere que + Subj.
Se sugiere que se espere.
Past Suggestion
Sugerí que + Imp. Subj.
Sugerí que vinieras.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Sugiero que nos reunamos a las diez.

Sugiero que nos reunamos a las diez. (Meeting)

Neutral
Sugiero que nos veamos a las diez.

Sugiero que nos veamos a las diez. (Meeting)

Informal
Sugiero que quedemos a las diez.

Sugiero que quedemos a las diez. (Meeting)

Slang
Sugiero que caigamos a las diez.

Sugiero que caigamos a las diez. (Meeting)

The Suggestion Flow

Sugerir

Different Subject

  • que + subj that + subjunctive

Same Subject

  • infinitive infinitive

Indicative vs Subjunctive

Indicative (Fact)
Digo que vas I say you are going
Subjunctive (Influence)
Sugiero que vayas I suggest you go

Decision Tree

1

Are the subjects the same?

YES
Use Infinitive
NO
Use 'que' + Subjunctive

Common Suggestion Verbs

💡

Influence

  • Sugerir
  • Recomendar
  • Aconsejar
  • Pedir

Examples by Level

1

Sugiero que estudies.

I suggest that you study.

2

Sugiero que comas.

I suggest that you eat.

3

Sugiero que hables.

I suggest that you speak.

4

Sugiero que leas.

I suggest that you read.

1

Sugiero que vayamos al cine.

I suggest that we go to the cinema.

2

Sugiero que compres este libro.

I suggest that you buy this book.

3

Sugiero que descanses un poco.

I suggest that you rest a little.

4

Sugiero que llames a tu madre.

I suggest that you call your mother.

1

El profesor sugiere que terminemos el proyecto hoy.

The teacher suggests that we finish the project today.

2

Sugiero que busques una solución alternativa.

I suggest that you look for an alternative solution.

3

Sugiero que no lleguemos tarde.

I suggest that we don't arrive late.

4

Sugiero que practiques más el subjuntivo.

I suggest that you practice the subjunctive more.

1

Sugiero que se considere esta propuesta con cuidado.

I suggest that this proposal be considered carefully.

2

Sugiero que no se tome ninguna decisión precipitada.

I suggest that no hasty decision be taken.

3

Sugiero que analicemos los datos antes de actuar.

I suggest that we analyze the data before acting.

4

Sugiero que se mantenga la calma en esta situación.

I suggest that calm be maintained in this situation.

1

Sugiero que, dado el contexto, se reevalúen las prioridades.

I suggest that, given the context, priorities be reevaluated.

2

Sugiero que se implemente un protocolo más riguroso.

I suggest that a more rigorous protocol be implemented.

3

Sugiero que se fomente la participación ciudadana.

I suggest that citizen participation be encouraged.

4

Sugiero que se priorice la calidad sobre la cantidad.

I suggest that quality be prioritized over quantity.

1

Sugiero que se proceda con la debida diligencia en este asunto.

I suggest that we proceed with due diligence in this matter.

2

Sugiero que se arbitren los medios necesarios para la resolución.

I suggest that the necessary means for resolution be arbitrated.

3

Sugiero que se soslayen las diferencias menores por el bien común.

I suggest that minor differences be overlooked for the common good.

4

Sugiero que se vislumbre un horizonte de cooperación mutua.

I suggest that a horizon of mutual cooperation be envisioned.

Easily Confused

Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir) vs Sugerir vs. Querer

Both take the subjunctive, but 'querer' expresses desire while 'sugerir' expresses a recommendation.

Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir) vs Sugerir + que vs. Sugerir + Infinitive

Learners often use 'que' when the subject is the same.

Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir) vs Sugerir vs. Decir

Decir can be a command (indicative) or a suggestion (subjunctive).

Common Mistakes

Sugiero que tú vas.

Sugiero que tú vayas.

Must use subjunctive after 'sugerir que'.

Sugiero tú vayas.

Sugiero que tú vayas.

Missing the connector 'que'.

Sugiero que yo voy.

Sugiero ir.

Don't use subjunctive if the subject is the same.

Sugiero que vas a ir.

Sugiero que vayas.

Avoid periphrastic future in subjunctive clauses.

Sugiero que ellos van.

Sugiero que ellos vayan.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que nosotros vamos.

Sugiero que nosotros vayamos.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que tú comes.

Sugiero que tú comas.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que hablas.

Sugiero que hables.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que escribes.

Sugiero que escribas.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que vives.

Sugiero que vivas.

Incorrect mood.

Sugiero que se hace.

Sugiero que se haga.

Incorrect mood in passive.

Sentence Patterns

Sugiero que ___ ___.

No sugiero que ___ ___.

¿Sugieres que ___ ___?

Sugiero ___ al cine.

Real World Usage

Social Media common

Sugiero que sigas esta cuenta.

Texting constant

Sugiero que nos veamos.

Job Interview common

Sugiero que implementemos este cambio.

Travel very common

Sugiero que visites el museo.

Food Delivery App common

La app sugiere que pruebes esto.

Academic Setting common

El profesor sugiere que leamos el capítulo.

💡

Subject Check

Always check if the subject changes. If it doesn't, use the infinitive!
⚠️

No Indicative

Never use the indicative after 'sugerir que'. It is a common mistake.
🎯

Politeness

Use 'sugerir' to sound more professional and less bossy.
💬

Regional Variation

In some regions, 'recomendar' is more common for personal advice.

Smart Tips

Use 'Sugiero que' + subjunctive to sound polite.

¡Haz esto! Sugiero que hagas esto.

Don't use 'que' + subjunctive if you are the subject.

Sugiero que yo vaya. Sugiero ir.

Use 'Se sugiere que' for a formal tone.

Sugiero que hagamos esto. Se sugiere que se haga esto.

If you are influencing someone, it's almost always subjunctive.

Sugiero que tú vas. Sugiero que tú vayas.

Pronunciation

/su.xe.ˈɾiɾ/

Sugerir

The 'g' before 'e' is a soft /h/ sound.

Suggestion

Sugiero que vayas... ↑

Rising intonation at the end indicates a polite suggestion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Sugerir is a 'S' verb for Subjunctive. If you suggest, you must change the mood!

Visual Association

Imagine a fork in the road. One path is 'Infinitive' (same person), the other is 'Subjunctive' (different person). You are the guide pointing to the Subjunctive path.

Rhyme

Si sugieres que otro haga, el subjuntivo siempre paga.

Story

Maria wants to go to the park. She tells her friend, 'Sugiero que vayamos al parque'. Because she is including her friend, she uses 'vayamos'. If she were going alone, she would simply say 'Sugiero ir'.

Word Web

SugerirQueSubjuntivoInfluenciaRecomendaciónConsejo

Challenge

Write 5 suggestions for your day using 'Sugiero que...'.

Cultural Notes

In Spain, 'sugerir' is often used in professional settings to avoid being too direct.

Mexicans often use 'sugerir' but might prefer 'recomendar' for personal advice.

Argentines use 'sugerir' with the 'vos' form, so the subjunctive is 'vayas'.

Comes from Latin 'sugerere', meaning 'to put under' or 'to suggest'.

Conversation Starters

¿Qué sugieres que hagamos hoy?

¿Sugieres que estudie más?

¿Qué sugieres que comamos en este restaurante?

¿Sugieres que cambiemos nuestra estrategia?

Journal Prompts

Write about a trip you are planning. Use 'sugerir' to make recommendations for your friend.
Write a formal email to your boss suggesting a new project.
Describe your ideal day. Use 'sugerir' to invite someone to join you.
Write a review for a restaurant, suggesting what others should order.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Sugiero que tú (ir) al cine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vayas
Requires subjunctive.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Sugiero que nosotros comemos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que nosotros comamos
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero ir al cine
Same subject uses infinitive.
Transform the sentence to use 'sugerir'. Sentence Transformation

Vayan al cine. (Sugiero...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que vayan al cine
Subjunctive required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Qué hago? B: Sugiero que ___ (leer) este libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: leas
Subjunctive required.
Order the words. Sentence Building

que / sugiero / vayas / tú

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que tú vayas
Correct order.
Sort into Indicative or Subjunctive. Grammar Sorting

Sugiero que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vayas (Subj)
Subjunctive is correct.
Match the suggestion to the context. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ...estudies (Academic)
Logical match.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Sugiero que tú (ir) al cine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vayas
Requires subjunctive.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Sugiero que nosotros comemos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que nosotros comamos
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero ir al cine
Same subject uses infinitive.
Transform the sentence to use 'sugerir'. Sentence Transformation

Vayan al cine. (Sugiero...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que vayan al cine
Subjunctive required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Qué hago? B: Sugiero que ___ (leer) este libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: leas
Subjunctive required.
Order the words. Sentence Building

que / sugiero / vayas / tú

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que tú vayas
Correct order.
Sort into Indicative or Subjunctive. Grammar Sorting

Sugiero que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vayas (Subj)
Subjunctive is correct.
Match the suggestion to the context. Match Pairs

Sugiero que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ...estudies (Academic)
Logical match.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Él sugiere que nosotros ___ (hablar) con el jefe.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablemos
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

que / Sugiero / abras / tú / {el|m} regalo

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que tú abras {el|m} regalo
Translate to Spanish. Translation

I suggest that she buys the phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que ella compre {el|m} teléfono.
Which one is right? Multiple Choice

They suggest that you write a post.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ellos sugieren que escribas un post.
Match the indicative to the subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tú hablas - tú hables
Fix the stem change error. Error Correction

Yo sugero que vengas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo sugiero que vengas.
Fill the blank. Fill in the Blank

Te sugiero que ___ (beber) mucha agua.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: bebas
Identify the formal suggestion. Multiple Choice

I suggest that you (formal) wait here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Le sugiero que espere aquí.
Order the suggestion. Sentence Reorder

fotos / saquen / que / Sugiero / ustedes

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que ustedes saquen fotos
Translate to Spanish. Translation

We suggest that you delete the app.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugerimos que borres {la|f} app.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because 'sugerir' expresses influence, not a fact.

No, it is grammatically incorrect.

Use the infinitive: 'Sugiero ir'.

It is neutral and works in most contexts.

Yes, use the imperfect subjunctive.

Yes, 'recomendar' and 'aconsejar'.

Yes, the rule is universal.

Add 'no' before 'sugerir'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

French high

Je suggère que tu ailles

French subjunctive is often less frequently used in speech than Spanish.

German moderate

Ich schlage vor, dass du gehst

German relies on modal verbs or specific verb forms rather than a mood shift.

Japanese low

〜したほうがいいです

Japanese is agglutinative and lacks a subjunctive mood.

Arabic moderate

أقترح أن تذهب

Arabic subjunctive is marked by a vowel change at the end of the verb.

Chinese low

我建议你去

Chinese lacks mood and tense conjugation entirely.

English partial

I suggest that you go

Spanish uses the subjunctive in almost all cases, whereas English prefers the infinitive or 'should'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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