In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to offer advice or propose a plan.
- Requires using the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and friendly recommendations.
Meaning
This is a polite and direct way to say 'I suggest that' or 'I recommend that' when you want to offer advice or a plan.
Key Examples
3 of 6Recommending a dish at a restaurant
Sugiro que você peça a feijoada.
I suggest that you order the feijoada.
In a professional business meeting
Sugiro que adiemos a reunião para amanhã.
I suggest that we postpone the meeting until tomorrow.
Texting a friend about travel plans
Sugiro que a gente compre as passagens logo.
I suggest that we buy the tickets soon.
Cultural Background
In Lusophone cultures, suggesting rather than demanding is a key social skill. This phrase reflects the 'jeitinho'—the art of finding a way through a situation with grace and diplomacy. It is especially prominent in the workplace where hierarchy is respected but collaboration is encouraged.
The Subjunctive Secret
If you are unsure of the subjunctive, just remember: for -AR verbs, use -E endings (fale), and for -ER/-IR verbs, use -A endings (coma, saia).
Don't forget the 'Que'
In English, we often drop 'that' (I suggest you go). In Portuguese, you MUST include the `que`. Saying 'Sugiro você vá' sounds broken.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to offer advice or propose a plan.
- Requires using the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and friendly recommendations.
What It Means
Sugiro que is your go-to phrase for offering ideas without sounding bossy. It translates directly to 'I suggest that.' It is the perfect balance between being helpful and being respectful of the other person's choice. You are putting an idea on the table for them to consider.
How To Use It
This phrase is a bit of a grammar trap! After Sugiro que, you must use the subjunctive mood. This means the following verb changes its ending to show uncertainty. For example, instead of você vai (you go), you say Sugiro que você vá. It sounds fancy, but it is just how Portuguese flows. Use it to start a sentence when you have a better plan or a recommendation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are the expert in the room. Use it at a restaurant when a friend can't decide what to eat. It is great for business meetings when you want to pivot the strategy. You can even use it while texting to coordinate a meetup spot. It works whenever you want to lead the way politely.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are giving a direct command. If the house is on fire, don't say Sugiro que você saia. Just yell 'Sair!' Also, avoid it in extremely casual 'bro' talk. With your best friend, you might just say Bora... (Let's go...) instead. Using it too much with family might make you sound like a consultant.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value 'educação' (politeness/manners). Being too blunt can sometimes feel aggressive. Sugiro que acts as a social lubricant. It shows you have an opinion but respect the hierarchy or the other person's space. It is very common in professional environments in Brazil and Portugal to avoid 'pointing fingers.'
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more polite, try Eu sugeriria que (I would suggest that). For a softer touch, you can use Que tal...? (How about...?). If you want to sound more casual, just say Acho melhor... (I think it's better...). But Sugiro que remains the gold standard for clear, polite communication.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. The key grammatical requirement is the use of the Present Subjunctive in the following clause.
The Subjunctive Secret
If you are unsure of the subjunctive, just remember: for -AR verbs, use -E endings (fale), and for -ER/-IR verbs, use -A endings (coma, saia).
Don't forget the 'Que'
In English, we often drop 'that' (I suggest you go). In Portuguese, you MUST include the `que`. Saying 'Sugiro você vá' sounds broken.
The Sarcastic Suggestion
Brazilians often use this phrase with a smile to give a 'hint' about something obvious, like `Sugiro que você tome um banho` after a long gym session.
Examples
6Sugiro que você peça a feijoada.
I suggest that you order the feijoada.
A friendly recommendation for a first-time visitor.
Sugiro que adiemos a reunião para amanhã.
I suggest that we postpone the meeting until tomorrow.
Professional and proactive way to manage time.
Sugiro que a gente compre as passagens logo.
I suggest that we buy the tickets soon.
Urgent but still collaborative advice.
Sugiro que você descanse um pouco hoje.
I suggest that you rest a bit today.
Soft and caring tone.
Sugiro que você lave a louça antes que ela ganhe vida!
I suggest you wash the dishes before they come to life!
Using formal structure for a sarcastic, humorous effect.
Sugiro que analise a proposta com cuidado.
I suggest that you analyze the proposal carefully.
Standard formal business communication.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form (Subjunctive).
Sugiro que você ___ (falar) com o gerente.
After 'Sugiro que', the verb must be in the present subjunctive. 'Fale' is the correct form for 'você'.
Choose the best context for this phrase.
___ que a gente saia mais cedo para evitar o trânsito.
'Sugiro' makes the sentence a polite recommendation rather than a command.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Suggestions
Used with close friends.
Que tal...?
Perfect for most situations.
Sugiro que...
High-level professional or academic.
Gostaria de sugerir que...
Where to use 'Sugiro que'
Office Meeting
Sugiro que mudemos o foco.
Dinner with Friends
Sugiro que peçamos vinho.
Doctor's Office
Sugiro que faça o exame.
Travel Planning
Sugiro que fiquemos no centro.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesSugiro que você ___ (falar) com o gerente.
After 'Sugiro que', the verb must be in the present subjunctive. 'Fale' is the correct form for 'você'.
___ que a gente saia mais cedo para evitar o trânsito.
'Sugiro' makes the sentence a polite recommendation rather than a command.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is neutral. While Que tal is more common, Sugiro que is perfectly fine when you want to be clear.
Forgetting the subjunctive mood. People often say Sugiro que você vai instead of the correct Sugiro que você vá.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails. It sounds decisive yet collaborative.
No, you can drop the Eu. In fact, starting with just Sugiro que is very common and natural.
You would say Eu sugeri que. Note that this usually triggers the imperfect subjunctive, like Eu sugeri que ele fosse.
The phrase is used identically in both. The only difference is the accent and the choice of verbs that follow.
If you are suggesting a thing, you don't need que. You can say Eu sugiro este livro (I suggest this book).
Almost! Recomendo que is slightly stronger, implying you have personal experience with the choice.
Use the 'nós' form: Sugiro que nós comamos agora. Or more colloquially: Sugiro que a gente coma agora.
Yes! Just add não. For example: Sugiro que você não faça isso (I suggest you don't do that).
Related Phrases
Recomendo que
I recommend that
Que tal...?
How about...?
Acho melhor
I think it's better
Proponho que
I propose that
