Use 'plantear' when you want to put an idea or problem forward for others to consider.
plantear in 30 Seconds
- propose
- suggest
- raise an issue
Understanding when to use "plantear" versus other similar Spanish verbs can be tricky. This section will break down the nuances, helping you sound more natural and precise in your Spanish conversations.
§ "Plantear" vs. "Proponer"
- "Plantear"
- To put forward an idea, problem, or question for consideration or discussion. It often implies a more neutral presentation, setting the stage for discussion.
- "Proponer"
- To propose, to suggest. This verb usually implies a more active recommendation or a specific course of action. When you 'proponer' something, you're usually advocating for it.
While both can involve introducing an idea, "plantear" is often about bringing something up for general discussion or to highlight an issue. "Proponer" is more about suggesting a specific solution or plan.
El equipo decidió plantear el problema en la reunión. (The team decided to bring up the problem at the meeting.)
Ella va a proponer una nueva estrategia de marketing. (She is going to propose a new marketing strategy.)
§ "Plantear" vs. "Exponer"
- "Plantear"
- To put forward an idea, problem, or question for consideration. Often implies the act of presenting something to others for them to think about.
- "Exponer"
- To expose, to explain, to present in detail. This verb implies a more thorough and formal presentation, often in a public setting or with a clear structure.
When you "planteas" an issue, you're typically just putting it on the table. When you "expones" an issue, you're often giving a detailed explanation or a formal presentation of it.
Es importante plantear estas dudas al profesor. (It's important to raise these doubts with the professor.)
El científico va a exponer su teoría en la conferencia. (The scientist is going to present his theory at the conference.)
§ "Plantear" vs. "Sugerir"
- "Plantear"
- To put forward an idea or issue for consideration. It's about presenting something for others to reflect on.
- "Sugerir"
- To suggest. This is a more direct recommendation or a mild proposal for a course of action. It's about giving an idea or advice.
While both involve offering an idea, "plantear" sets up a topic for discussion, while "sugerir" is more about giving a specific idea or recommendation to someone.
Necesitamos plantear una solución al gerente. (We need to bring up a solution to the manager.)
Ella me sugirió que fuéramos al cine. (She suggested that we go to the movies.)
§ Key Takeaways for Using "Plantear"
"Plantear" is a versatile verb. It's especially useful when you want to:
- Introduce a topic for discussion without necessarily advocating for a specific outcome.
- Present a problem or question that needs to be addressed.
- Put an idea on the table for others to consider.
Remember, while these verbs share some common ground, their subtle differences allow for more precise communication in Spanish. Pay attention to the context and what you truly intend to communicate, and you'll choose the right verb every time.
Pronunciation Guide
- A common error is to stress the second-to-last syllable, as in 'plan-TE-ar', but the correct stress is on the 'ar' at the end: 'plan-te-AR'.
Grammar to Know
Verbs like 'plantear' often take a direct object, which is the idea or issue being put forward. For example, 'plantear una pregunta' (to ask a question).
El equipo va a plantear nuevas estrategias. (The team is going to propose new strategies.)
'Plantear' can be used with a reflexive pronoun 'se' to mean 'to pose oneself' or 'to arise' (an issue). For example, 'se plantea un problema' (a problem arises).
Se plantea la cuestión de cómo mejorar el servicio. (The question of how to improve the service arises.)
When followed by an infinitive, 'plantear' can mean 'to suggest doing something' or 'to propose to do something'. For example, 'plantear ir al cine' (to suggest going to the cinema).
Ella planteó estudiar juntos para el examen. (She suggested studying together for the exam.)
'Plantear' can be used in the passive voice to indicate that an idea or issue is being presented. For example, 'La propuesta fue planteada por el comité' (The proposal was put forward by the committee).
Las dudas planteadas por los estudiantes fueron resueltas. (The doubts raised by the students were resolved.)
It's common to use 'plantear' with prepositions like 'sobre' (about/on) or 'a' (to) when specifying the topic or recipient of the idea. For example, 'plantear algo sobre un tema' (to put something forward about a topic).
Voy a plantear mis inquietudes al director. (I am going to put my concerns to the director.)
Examples by Level
El gobierno va a plantear nuevas medidas económicas.
The government is going to propose new economic measures.
Future tense, 'plantear' used with an object.
Quiero plantear una pregunta importante en la reunión de hoy.
I want to raise an important question at today's meeting.
Infinitive 'plantear' after 'quiero'.
Es necesario plantear soluciones a este problema urgente.
It's necessary to suggest solutions to this urgent problem.
Impersonal expression 'Es necesario' followed by infinitive.
Los científicos plantearon una hipótesis audaz.
The scientists put forward a bold hypothesis.
Past tense ('pretérito indefinido'), 'plantear' used with an object.
Se planteó la posibilidad de un cambio de horario.
The possibility of a schedule change was brought up.
Passive voice with 'se'.
La película plantea cuestiones éticas muy interesantes.
The film raises very interesting ethical questions.
Present tense, 'plantear' used with an object.
Antes de decidir, debemos plantear todos los pros y los contras.
Before deciding, we should consider all the pros and cons.
Infinitive 'plantear' after 'debemos'.
El director planteó su renuncia de forma inesperada.
The director presented his resignation unexpectedly.
Past tense ('pretérito indefinido'), 'plantear' used with an object.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
plantear + sustantivo (idea/problema)
Tenemos que plantear una solución. (We have to put forward a solution.)
plantear + la cuestión/el tema
El presidente quiere plantear la cuestión del presupuesto. (The president wants to raise the issue of the budget.)
plantearse + sustantivo (duda/pregunta)
Me planteo si es la mejor opción. (I'm wondering if it's the best option.)
plantearse + infinitivo
Nos planteamos viajar el próximo año. (We are considering traveling next year.)
plantear + que + subjuntivo
El informe plantea que se necesitan cambios. (The report suggests that changes are needed.)
estar planteado/a para + infinitivo
El proyecto está planteado para empezar en marzo. (The project is planned to start in March.)
plantear + (a alguien) + una pregunta
Le planteé una pregunta difícil al profesor. (I posed a difficult question to the teacher.)
plantear + un reto/un desafío
Este problema nos plantea un gran reto. (This problem presents us with a great challenge.)
Word Family
Nouns
Test Yourself 54 questions
What does the speaker want to do?
What is 'ella' going to do?
What do 'nosotros' need to do?
Read this aloud:
Quiero plantear una idea nueva.
Focus: plan-te-ar
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Vamos a plantear el tema.
Focus: te-ma
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Ellos quieren plantear un plan.
Focus: plan
You said:
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Write a short sentence about an idea you want to 'plantear' (put forward) to a friend. Use a simple verb.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quiero plantear una idea a mi amigo.
Imagine you are suggesting a plan for the weekend. Write one sentence using 'plantear' to introduce your plan.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quiero plantear un plan para el fin de semana.
You have a question for your teacher. Write a simple sentence to say you want to 'plantear' a question. (Hint: 'una pregunta')
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quiero plantear una pregunta al profesor.
¿Qué quiere hacer María con su idea?
Read this passage:
María tiene una idea nueva. Ella quiere plantearla en la reunión. Es una buena idea para el equipo.
¿Qué quiere hacer María con su idea?
The passage says 'Ella quiere plantearla en la reunión,' which means she wants to put it forward in the meeting.
The passage says 'Ella quiere plantearla en la reunión,' which means she wants to put it forward in the meeting.
¿A quién quiere plantear su problema el estudiante?
Read this passage:
El estudiante tiene un problema. Él quiere plantear su problema al director. Necesita ayuda.
¿A quién quiere plantear su problema el estudiante?
The passage states 'Él quiere plantear su problema al director,' meaning he wants to put forward his problem to the principal.
The passage states 'Él quiere plantear su problema al director,' meaning he wants to put forward his problem to the principal.
¿Dónde van a plantear la pregunta?
Read this passage:
Nosotros tenemos una pregunta importante. Vamos a plantear la pregunta en la clase de español. Es para aprender más.
¿Dónde van a plantear la pregunta?
The passage clearly says 'Vamos a plantear la pregunta en la clase de español,' indicating they will put the question forward in the Spanish class.
The passage clearly says 'Vamos a plantear la pregunta en la clase de español,' indicating they will put the question forward in the Spanish class.
This sentence means 'She wants to pose a question.'
This sentence means 'He needs to raise the problem.'
This sentence means 'I am going to put forward an idea.'
Queremos ___ una nueva estrategia para mejorar la productividad. (We want to ___ a new strategy to improve productivity.)
The verb 'plantear' means to put forward an idea for consideration.
El director va a ___ su propuesta en la próxima reunión. (The director is going to ___ his proposal at the next meeting.)
'Plantear' fits perfectly here, meaning to present or put forward for discussion.
Es importante ___ el problema con claridad para encontrar una solución. (It's important to ___ the problem clearly to find a solution.)
To 'plantear' a problem means to raise it or put it forward for consideration.
Nos gustaría ___ algunas preguntas sobre el proyecto. (We would like to ___ some questions about the project.)
You 'plantear' questions when you want to bring them up for discussion.
Antes de actuar, debemos ___ todas las opciones posibles. (Before acting, we must ___ all possible options.)
To 'plantear' options means to consider or put them forward for thought.
Ella decidió ___ su preocupación al equipo. (She decided to ___ her concern to the team.)
To 'plantear' a concern means to bring it up for discussion or consideration.
Choose the best translation for 'plantear un problema':
'Plantear' means to put forward or raise, so 'plantear un problema' means to present a problem for discussion or consideration.
Which sentence uses 'plantear' correctly?
'Plantear' in this context refers to putting forward an idea or question, not physically placing objects.
If you want to suggest a new idea for a project, you would '___ una idea'.
'Plantear una idea' means to put forward or suggest an idea.
The phrase 'plantear una solución' means to propose a solution.
Yes, 'plantear una solución' directly translates to proposing or putting forward a solution for consideration.
You can use 'plantear' when you are talking about planting a flower in a garden.
No, 'plantear' is not used for physically planting something. For that, you would use 'plantar'. 'Plantear' is about putting forward ideas or issues.
If you 'plantear' a doubt, it means you are expressing a doubt.
Correct. 'Plantear una duda' means to bring up or express a doubt for discussion.
Imagine you are in a team meeting. Propose an idea for a new marketing campaign using 'plantear'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quiero plantear la idea de una campaña de marketing en redes sociales para llegar a un público más joven.
You are writing an email to your boss. You need to bring up a problem with a current project. Use 'plantear' in your email.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estimado/a [Nombre del Jefe/a], Quisiera plantear un pequeño problema que he notado en el proyecto X. Creo que deberíamos discutirlo para encontrar una solución.
A friend asks for your advice on a difficult situation. Write a short response using 'plantear' to suggest discussing the issue thoroughly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Entiendo que es una situación difícil. Quizás podríamos plantear todas las opciones y ver cuál es la mejor para ti.
¿Qué acción tomó el presidente respecto a la nueva ley de educación?
Read this passage:
El presidente decidió plantear la propuesta de una nueva ley de educación en la próxima sesión del parlamento. Espera que los miembros la consideren con seriedad para el beneficio del país.
¿Qué acción tomó el presidente respecto a la nueva ley de educación?
El verbo 'plantear' en este contexto significa presentar una idea o propuesta para que sea considerada.
El verbo 'plantear' en este contexto significa presentar una idea o propuesta para que sea considerada.
¿Cuál fue el impacto de la hipótesis de los científicos?
Read this passage:
Los científicos plantearon una hipótesis innovadora sobre el origen del universo, lo que ha generado un gran debate en la comunidad académica. Su teoría desafía las ideas tradicionales.
¿Cuál fue el impacto de la hipótesis de los científicos?
La frase 'ha generado un gran debate' indica que la hipótesis de los científicos, que 'plantearon' (presentaron), tuvo un impacto de discusión.
La frase 'ha generado un gran debate' indica que la hipótesis de los científicos, que 'plantearon' (presentaron), tuvo un impacto de discusión.
¿Para qué es importante plantear los puntos clave antes de una reunión?
Read this passage:
Antes de la reunión, es importante plantear los puntos clave que queremos discutir para asegurar que la agenda sea clara y eficiente. Así evitaremos desviaciones y aprovecharemos el tiempo.
¿Para qué es importante plantear los puntos clave antes de una reunión?
La frase 'para asegurar que la agenda sea clara y eficiente' explica el propósito de 'plantear los puntos clave'.
La frase 'para asegurar que la agenda sea clara y eficiente' explica el propósito de 'plantear los puntos clave'.
El director decidió ______ la cuestión de los nuevos horarios en la reunión.
To 'plantear' means to bring up or put forward for discussion, which fits the context of bringing up a new schedule at a meeting.
Es importante ______ soluciones viables a los problemas que se nos presentan.
Here, 'plantear' means to propose or put forward solutions. It's about presenting an idea for consideration.
El artículo busca ______ una nueva perspectiva sobre el cambio climático.
'Plantear' in this context means to introduce or set forth a new perspective.
La investigación que estamos realizando podría ______ importantes interrogantes sobre el origen del universo.
To 'plantear' questions means to raise or bring them up for consideration or inquiry.
El filósofo se propuso ______ la existencia de la verdad absoluta en su obra.
Here, 'plantear' means to propose or to put forward for intellectual consideration, as a philosopher would do with a concept.
El abogado tuvo que ______ varias objeciones a la evidencia presentada por la fiscalía.
In a legal context, 'plantear' objections means to formally raise or put them forward for consideration.
The director brought up the need for restructuring the department.
Could we bring up this topic in the next meeting?
The novel raises profound questions about human existence.
Read this aloud:
Quiero plantear una objeción al plan propuesto.
Focus: plantear una objeción
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Se planteó la idea de fusionar ambas empresas.
Focus: planteó la idea
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Es importante plantear soluciones creativas a los desafíos actuales.
Focus: plantear soluciones
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence structure (subject-verb-object) is common in Spanish. 'Plantear' here means to put forward a solution.
The order reflects a typical Spanish sentence: subject (gobierno) + verb phrase (debe plantear) + direct object (alternativas viables) + purpose clause (para impulsar la economía).
This sentence emphasizes the importance of putting forward innovative strategies, with 'será crucial' setting the tone.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'plantear' when you want to put an idea or problem forward for others to consider.
- propose
- suggest
- raise an issue
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More academic words
a fin de
B1In order to; with the aim of.
a mi parecer
B1In my opinion; to my mind.
a partir de
B1Starting from; based on; as of.
abordar
B2To address or tackle a topic, problem, or situation. In a literal sense, it can also mean to board a ship or approach someone to speak.
abstracción
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstractamente
B1In an abstract manner; in theory rather than in practice.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstracto/a
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstraer
B1To extract or remove (something); to form a general idea or quality.
académicamente
B2In an academic manner; in terms of academic performance or study.
