建议

Using it is very straightforward. To use it as a verb, just say 我建议 (I suggest) followed by your idea. For example, 我建议去吃火锅 (I suggest eating hot pot). To use it as a noun, you can say 我有一个建议 (I have a suggestion). It fits perfectly at the start of a sentence. It also works well when someone asks for your help. You don't need complex grammar to make it work. Just keep it simple and direct.

Use it whenever you want to be helpful. It works at a restaurant when picking dishes. It is great in a meeting for professional ideas. Use it when a friend is lost in the city. It is perfect for texting a group plan. If you want to sound polite yet confident, this is the word. It shows you are thinking about the other person's needs. Even if your idea is bad, the word makes it sound thoughtful!

Don't use it for strong commands. If a building is on fire, don't say 'I suggest we leave.' That is too slow! Avoid using it with elders if you want to sound very traditional. In those cases, 'humbly submitting' an idea is better. Also, don't use it for things that are mandatory. If it is a law, it is not a 'suggestion.' Using it for a direct order can sound sarcastic. Keep it for genuine advice and collaborative ideas.

Chinese culture values 'saving face' and indirectness. 建议 is a perfect tool for this. It allows you to give advice without making the other person feel wrong. It creates a space for discussion. Historically, giving suggestions to superiors was an art form. Today, it is much more casual. It reflects the modern, collaborative spirit of Chinese cities. It is a bridge between being polite and being efficient.

If you want to be more formal, use 提议 (tíyì) for a formal proposal. If you are just 'giving a hint,' you might use 提点 (tídiǎn). For very casual advice among best friends, people often just say 我觉得 (I think). But 建议 remains the gold standard. It is the most balanced word in your vocabulary. You will hear it in every office and coffee shop in China.