Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask for someone's expert opinion or advice.
- Works perfectly in restaurants, shops, and when traveling to new places.
- Shows you trust the other person's taste and local knowledge.
Significado
You use this phrase to ask someone for their opinion or advice. It is the perfect way to find out what is good, tasty, or useful in a new place.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a coffee shop
I can't decide! What do you recommend?
I can't decide! What do you recommend?
In a formal business lunch
The menu looks excellent; what do you recommend, Mr. Smith?
The menu looks excellent; what do you recommend, Mr. Smith?
Texting a friend about a movie
I'm bored tonight. What do you recommend on Netflix?
I'm bored tonight. What do you recommend on Netflix?
Contexto cultural
Waiters often give very enthusiastic recommendations because they rely on tips. They might say 'The steak is to die for!' to encourage a higher bill. In high-end sushi restaurants, you might not ask 'What do you recommend?' but instead say 'Omakase,' which means 'I leave it to you.' British people might use 'What would you recommend?' to be slightly more indirect and polite, avoiding sounding too demanding. In France, it is very common to ask for a wine recommendation to match your food. It shows you respect the waiter's knowledge of the cellar.
Be Specific
If you add what you like, you get better answers. 'What do you recommend for someone who likes spicy food?'
The 'Me' Trap
Remember: 'What do you recommend?' NOT 'What do you recommend me?'
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask for someone's expert opinion or advice.
- Works perfectly in restaurants, shops, and when traveling to new places.
- Shows you trust the other person's taste and local knowledge.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate tool for discovery. It simply asks another person to share their best choice with you. You are saying, "I trust your taste, so tell me what to pick."
How To Use It
You can use it exactly as it is. It is a complete sentence. Just point to a menu or a shelf and ask. You can also add a topic at the end. Try saying, What do you recommend for dinner? or What do you recommend in this city? It is very flexible and easy to remember.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel overwhelmed by choices. It is perfect at a restaurant with a massive menu. Use it at a bookstore when you need a new hobby. Use it when talking to a local about travel spots. It makes the other person feel like an expert. People love sharing their favorite things with others!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very serious life decisions. Do not ask a stranger, What do you recommend for my marriage? That is a bit too much for a coffee shop chat! Also, do not use it if you already know exactly what you want. It might annoy a busy waiter if you ask for a suggestion and then ignore it completely.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, asking for a recommendation is a great icebreaker. It shows you are open-minded and friendly. In the US and UK, service staff are often trained to have a favorite item ready. They expect this question! It is a sign of a polite and engaged customer. It turns a transaction into a small social moment.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, try What's good here? For a slightly more formal vibe, use What would you suggest? If you are in a rush, you can just ask Any recommendations? Each one does the same job but changes the flavor of the conversation.
Notas de uso
This phrase is safe to use in almost any situation. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it perfect for both a fancy dinner and a casual walk with a friend.
Be Specific
If you add what you like, you get better answers. 'What do you recommend for someone who likes spicy food?'
The 'Me' Trap
Remember: 'What do you recommend?' NOT 'What do you recommend me?'
Trust the Waiter
In many countries, asking this is a great way to get the freshest food that isn't on the menu yet.
Exemplos
6I can't decide! What do you recommend?
I can't decide! What do you recommend?
A classic way to ask a barista for their favorite drink.
The menu looks excellent; what do you recommend, Mr. Smith?
The menu looks excellent; what do you recommend, Mr. Smith?
Shows respect to a client by asking for their preference.
I'm bored tonight. What do you recommend on Netflix?
I'm bored tonight. What do you recommend on Netflix?
Short and direct for a digital conversation.
What do you recommend, Mr. Fluffles? The tuna or the chicken?
What do you recommend, Mr. Fluffles? The tuna or the chicken?
Using the phrase with a pet for a silly, cute moment.
I'm visiting London soon. What do you recommend I see first?
I'm visiting London soon. What do you recommend I see first?
Focuses the recommendation on a specific category (sightseeing).
I need a gift for my mom. What do you recommend?
I need a gift for my mom. What do you recommend?
Helps the staff narrow down choices for a specific person.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form of the question.
You are at a cafe and want to know the best cake. You say:
We need the auxiliary 'do' and we don't need 'me'.
Fill in the missing word.
What ______ you recommend for a headache?
'Do' is the auxiliary verb for the present simple question.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm going to the cinema. _____ B: You should see the new Batman movie!
The answer 'You should see...' indicates a recommendation was asked for.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is most formal?
'Would' adds a layer of conditional politeness, making it the most formal option here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Where to use 'What do you recommend?'
Food
- • Restaurants
- • Cafes
- • Bars
Shopping
- • Bookstores
- • Tech shops
- • Gift shops
Services
- • Doctors
- • Mechanics
- • Barbers
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosYou are at a cafe and want to know the best cake. You say:
We need the auxiliary 'do' and we don't need 'me'.
What ______ you recommend for a headache?
'Do' is the auxiliary verb for the present simple question.
A: I'm going to the cinema. _____ B: You should see the new Batman movie!
The answer 'You should see...' indicates a recommendation was asked for.
Which phrase is most formal?
'Would' adds a layer of conditional politeness, making it the most formal option here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is very polite and shows you value the other person's opinion.
Yes, e.g., 'What do you recommend as the next step for our project?'
'Recommend' is stronger and based on personal experience. 'Suggest' is just an idea.
You can say 'I recommend the...' or 'I suggest you try...'
It is slightly more formal and polite, but both are very common.
It is grammatically okay but sounds very unnatural. Just say 'What do you recommend?'
You can say, 'That sounds good, but I'm not a fan of [ingredient]. Do you have another suggestion?'
Yes, 'What doctor do you recommend?'
Use 'for' for a purpose (for a cold) and 'to' for a person (to a friend).
'What's good?' is just a very fast, casual version used in informal places.
Frases relacionadas
What's your advice?
similarAsking for a person's opinion on a problem.
What do you suggest?
synonymAsking for an idea or plan.
What's good?
specialized formVery informal way to ask for a recommendation.
I'll have what she's having.
contrastChoosing based on seeing someone else's choice.
