Making Suggestions Using Suger

This grammar pattern is like a three-car train. The first car is the person making the suggestion. The second car is the word que. The third car is the action you want the other person to take. Here is the catch: because you are trying to influence someone else, the second verb must change. We call this the Subjunctive. It’s like a grammar handshake. You use sugerir to start the sentence, and the second verb responds by swapping its ending. If you forget the que, the whole train falls off the tracks! Think of que as the glue that holds your suggestion together. Without it, your sentence won't make sense to a native speaker.

1. 1Building these sentences follows a very specific recipe. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with the person suggesting. Use sugerir. Remember, it’s a "boot verb." The e changes to ie in all forms except nosotros and vosotros. For example: yo sugiero, tú sugieres.
3. 3Add the word que. This is mandatory. It acts as the bridge to your suggestion.
4. 4Add the person you are talking to. This is the subject of your second verb.
5. 5Use the Subjunctive form of the second verb.
6. 6For -ar verbs: Change the a to e. (e.g., hablar becomes hables).
7. 7For -er and -ir verbs: Change the e or i to a. (e.g., comer becomes comas).
8. 8It’s a simple swap! Think of it like a grammar costume party. The verbs are just dressing up as each other for a night.

Use this pattern whenever you want to be helpful but not demanding.

• Ordering Food: If a friend is indecisive at a tapas bar, say Te sugiero que pidas las patatas bravas.
• Asking Directions: If someone looks lost, you might say Le sugiero que tome el metro.
• Job Interviews: You can use it to suggest a plan of action: Sugiero que trabajemos en equipo.
• Health Advice: If a friend looks tired, try Te sugiero que descanses un poco.

It’s the ultimate "soft power" move. It shows you respect the other person's choice while still giving your opinion.

Don't use this pattern if you are talking about yourself only. If there is no change in person, you don't need the que or the subjunctive. For example, if you are thinking out loud, you just use the infinitive: Sugiero ir al cine (I suggest going to the cinema). You also shouldn't use it for facts. If you say "I know you are here," that's a fact. Use the regular present tense there. Sugerir is for things that *might* happen, not things that *are* happening right now. Also, avoid using it when you want to give a direct command. If a building is on fire, don't say "I suggest you leave." Just yell "¡Salga!"

Even native speakers get a bit lazy here, but you want to be a pro. The most common mistake is forgetting the stem change in sugerir. People often say sugero instead of sugiero. It sounds a bit like saying "I goed" in English—people will understand, but it’s not quite right. Another big one is forgetting the que. You cannot say Sugiero tú vayas. It must be Sugiero que tú vayas. Lastly, don't use the regular present tense for the second verb. Sugiero que tú vas sounds very jarring to Spanish ears. It’s like a musical note played slightly out of tune. Keep that "ending swap" in mind, and you’ll be golden.

You might know the verb recomendar (to recommend). Good news! It works exactly the same way. Te recomiendo que... and Te sugiero que... are basically twins. You can use them interchangeably. Another similar one is querer (to want). Quiero que vayas (I want you to go) also uses the subjunctive. The difference is the "vibe." Querer is a bit stronger and more personal. Sugerir is more professional and polite. Think of sugerir as a gentle suggestion and querer as a direct desire.