Suggérer" might be the first word that comes to mind when you want to say "to suggest" in French. But just like in English, there are many nuanced ways to propose an idea, offer advice, or gently put forward a thought. Whether you're brainstorming with colleagues, making plans with friends, or giving a polite recommendation, having a range of options can make your French much more natural and precise. Ready to expand your vocabulary? Let's dive into 9 different ways to say "to suggest" in French, so you can pick the perfect phrase for any situation!

The standard 'to suggest' – suggérer

The verb suggérer is the most common and direct way to say 'to suggest' in French. It's a versatile verb you'll encounter frequently.

Being a regular -er verb, suggérer follows predictable conjugation patterns in most tenses. This makes it relatively easy to master once you know the basics of -er verb conjugation.

You can use suggérer directly with a noun or a pronoun to suggest an idea, a solution, or an object. For example, Je suggère cette idée (I suggest this idea) or Il nous a suggéré un restaurant (He suggested a restaurant to us).

Crucially, when suggérer is followed by a clause that expresses an action that should be taken, it often triggers the subjunctive mood. This is especially true when the suggestion is a strong recommendation or implies a necessity. For instance, Je suggère qu'il vienne avec nous (I suggest that he come with us).

Suggérer is appropriate for both formal and informal situations. You can use it when speaking to friends, colleagues, or in more professional settings without sounding out of place.

While similar, suggérer often implies putting forward an idea or a thought for consideration, whereas proposer can lean more towards making a concrete offer or a specific plan. For example, Je suggère une solution (I suggest a solution) vs. Je propose de t'aider (I offer to help you).

Always remember the common construction: suggérer que + subject + subjunctive verb when you're suggesting an an action for someone else. Another common structure is suggérer de + infinitive when the subject of both verbs is the same or implied.

💡 * Je suggère que nous partions en vacances. (I suggest that we go on vacation.)

Il m'a suggéré un excellent film. (He suggested an excellent movie to me.)

Que suggères-tu pour résoudre ce problème ? (What do you suggest to solve this problem?)

Nous suggérons qu'elle prenne un jour de congé. (We suggest that she take a day off.)

Je suggère d'attendre un peu. (I suggest waiting a bit.)

The common 'to propose' (an idea) – proposer

The verb proposer is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in French when you want to 'propose,' 'suggest,' or 'offer' something. It's an essential addition to your vocabulary.

Most commonly, proposer is used when you're putting forward an idea, a plan, a solution, or a course of action. Think of it as suggesting something for consideration.

Beyond ideas, proposer can also mean 'to offer' a concrete item, a service, or help. For instance, you might offer someone a drink, or a company might offer a new product.

When proposer is followed by an action, it often uses the construction proposer de + infinitive. For example, Il propose de sortir ce soir (He suggests going out tonight).

It's crucial to note that while proposer means 'to propose' in English, it is not used for a marriage proposal. For that, French uses phrases like demander en mariage ('to ask in marriage').

Mastering proposer will significantly enhance your ability to express suggestions and offers in a wide range of everyday French conversations.

💡 * Je propose une nouvelle idée pour le projet. (I propose a new idea for the project.)

Elle nous a proposé de l'aide. (She offered us help.)

Que proposes-tu pour le dîner ce soir ? (What do you suggest for dinner tonight?)

Le magasin propose des réductions intéressantes. (The store offers interesting discounts.)

Il m'a proposé de venir avec lui. (He suggested that I come with him.)

The 'to advise' or 'to counsel' – conseiller (de)

The verb conseiller is your go-to French word for 'to advise' or 'to counsel'. It's a fundamental verb for expressing guidance and recommendations.

Conseiller primarily means 'to advise' or 'to counsel'. It often takes a direct object (the person being advised) and is frequently followed by de + an infinitive verb when advising someone to do something.

When advising a person, conseiller can take them as a direct object, e.g., Je te conseille (I advise you). However, when advising someone to do something, the structure typically becomes conseiller à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose (to advise someone to do something).

You'll often hear phrases like Je vous conseille de... (I advise you to...) or Il m'a conseillé de... (He advised me to...). It's also used for recommending things, such as Je te conseille ce livre (I recommend this book to you).

Conseiller is a regular -ER verb, which means its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -er. This makes it relatively easy to learn once you know the basic -er verb endings.

While its primary meaning is 'to advise,' conseiller can also mean 'to recommend,' especially when talking about objects, places, or services. The context usually makes the distinction clear.

Remember the de + infinitive structure when advising someone to perform an action: conseiller à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose. This is crucial for correct usage.

💡 *Je te conseille de te reposer. (I advise you to rest.)
*Il m'a conseillé d'acheter cette voiture. (He advised me to buy this car.)
*Que me conseilles-tu ? (What do you advise me?)
*Elle a conseillé à ses amis d'être prudents. (She advised her friends to be careful.)
*Je vous conseille ce restaurant. (I recommend this restaurant to you.)

The 'to recommend' – recommander (de)

The verb recommander directly translates to 'to recommend' in English. It's used when you suggest something or someone as suitable for a particular purpose, or when you advise a course of action.

When recommander is followed by an infinitive verb, it typically requires the preposition de. This structure means 'to recommend to do something'. For example, Je te recommande de lire ce livre (I recommend you read this book).

When recommending a person or thing (a noun), recommander is used directly, without de. For instance, Je te recommande ce restaurant (I recommend this restaurant to you) or Je vous recommande mon ami pour ce poste (I recommend my friend to you for this position).

Recommander is a versatile verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in professional settings, travel advice, or simply suggesting a good movie to a friend.

💡 *Je vous recommande de visiter le Louvre. (I recommend you visit the Louvre.)
*Elle recommande ce médecin à tout le monde. (She recommends this doctor to everyone.)
*Nous recommandons de faire attention. (We recommend being careful.)
*Le guide nous a recommandé un excellent restaurant. (The guide recommended an excellent restaurant to us.)
*Je te recommande de te reposer. (I recommend you rest.)

The 'to put forward an idea' – avancer l'idée (de)

The 'to put forward an idea' – avancer l'idée (de)

At its core, avancer l'idée (de) means 'to put forward an idea,' 'to suggest an idea,' or 'to propose a concept.'

This expression is commonly used in discussions, meetings, or when someone wants to introduce a new thought or proposal for consideration.

The preposition de is crucial when the idea is followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., avancer l'idée de voyager - to suggest the idea of traveling) or a noun phrase.

While not overly formal, it carries a slightly more considered tone than simply proposer and implies a deliberate presentation of a thought.

It emphasizes the act of advancing or moving forward an idea into a conversation or plan, often with the intention of developing it further.

💡 * J'ai avancé l'idée de commencer un nouveau projet.

Elle a avancé l'idée que nous devrions travailler ensemble.

Nous avons avancé l'idée d'une réunion hebdomadaire.

Qui a avancé cette idée intéressante ?

Il est temps d'avancer de nouvelles idées pour résoudre ce problème.

The 'to hint at' or 'to insinuate' – insinuer

The French verb insinuer translates directly to “to insinuate” or “to hint at.” It describes the act of suggesting something indirectly, often in a subtle or underhanded manner, without stating it outright.

Unlike suggérer (to suggest), insinuer typically carries a negative connotation. It implies subtly introducing an idea, doubt, or criticism that is often unpleasant, untrue, or intended to cause suspicion or harm.

You can use insinuer with a direct object (e.g., insinuer une idée, insinuer le doute) or followed by que + a clause to express what is being insinuated (e.g., insinuer qu'il est coupable).

This verb is frequently used in contexts involving rumors, veiled accusations, or when someone is subtly trying to undermine another person's reputation or character. It's about planting a seed of an idea without taking direct responsibility for it.

Given its strong and often negative implication, insinuer should be used carefully. If you simply want to make a neutral suggestion, verbs like suggérer or proposer are much more appropriate.

💡 * Il a insinué que j'étais en retard sans le dire clairement. (He insinuated that I was late without saying it clearly.)

Ne m'insinuez pas de telles choses! (Don't insinuate such things to me!)

Elle a insinué le doute dans mon esprit. (She insinuated doubt into my mind.)

Le journaliste a insinué un scandale financier. (The journalist hinted at a financial scandal.)

J'ai l'impression qu'il insinue que je suis responsable. (I have the impression he's insinuating that I'm responsible.)

The 'to submit' (an idea) – soumettre (une idée)

The verb soumettre translates to 'to submit' in English. It's a versatile verb used in various contexts, particularly when presenting something for consideration or approval.

While the title highlights 'an idea' (une idée), soumettre is also commonly used for submitting proposals (une proposition), documents (un document), reports (un rapport), or even applications (une candidature).

Soumettre is a regular -mettre verb in its conjugation, similar to mettre (to put). It typically takes a direct object, meaning you 'submit something'.

💡 * Je vais soumettre mon projet avant la date limite. (I will submit my project before the deadline.)

Elle a soumis une excellente idée à la réunion. (She submitted an excellent idea at the meeting.)

Nous devons soumettre nos rapports chaque mois. (We must submit our reports every month.)

Ils ont soumis leur candidature pour le poste. (They submitted their application for the position.)

The 'to make a proposition' – faire une proposition

The phrase faire une proposition directly translates to 'to make a proposition' or 'to make a suggestion' in English.

This expression is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when you want to suggest an idea, a plan, or an offer to someone. It implies presenting something for consideration.

Faire une proposition can range from a simple suggestion in daily life to a formal business proposal. It emphasizes the act of putting an idea forward for discussion or approval.

While similar to suggérer (to suggest), faire une proposition often carries a slightly more concrete or structured implication, especially in professional settings. You might also encounter faire une offre (to make an offer), which is usually more transactional.

💡 * Je voudrais faire une proposition concernant notre prochain projet. (I would like to make a suggestion regarding our next project.)

As-tu une proposition à faire pour résoudre ce problème ? (Do you have a proposition to make to solve this problem?)

L'entreprise a fait une proposition intéressante pour le contrat. (The company made an interesting offer for the contract.)

Elle a fait une proposition de voyage que tout le monde a aimée. (She made a travel suggestion that everyone liked.)

The 'to evoke' or 'to bring up' (an idea) – évoquer (une idée)

The French verb évoquer translates directly to 'to evoke' or 'to bring up' (an idea, a memory, a topic). It’s a regular -er verb, making its conjugation relatively straightforward.

You'll use évoquer when you want to express the act of calling something to mind, recalling a memory, or mentioning a subject. It’s perfect for discussing how a smell, sound, or image can bring back a past event or feeling.

Beyond memories, évoquer is also used to bring up or mention a topic, a question, or even a problem in a conversation or discussion. It's a polite and common way to introduce a subject.

Évoquer is a transitive verb, which means it always takes a direct object. You directly évoque something. For instance, évoquer un souvenir (to evoke a memory) or évoquer des doutes (to raise doubts).

💡 *Ce parfum m'évoque mon enfance. (This perfume evokes my childhood.)
*Le journaliste a évoqué plusieurs problèmes lors de l'interview. (The journalist brought up several problems during the interview.)
*Ton histoire évoque des sentiments de nostalgie. (Your story evokes feelings of nostalgia.)
*Elle a évoqué la possibilité d'un voyage. (She brought up the possibility of a trip.)
*Ces images évoquent un passé lointain. (These images evoke a distant past.)

Are there other ways to say 'to suggest' in French?

Are there other ways to say ‘to suggest’ in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say ‘to suggest’ in French. However, the French language is rich with nuances, offering many other verbs and phrases that convey similar meanings, depending on the context and desired formality.

To discover more, you can search online for phrases like ‘autres verbes pour suggérer’ or ‘synonymes de suggérer en français’ to find regional or more specific terms.

When you encounter new synonyms for suggérer, always verify their precise meaning and observe how they are used in different sentences and situations to ensure you use them appropriately.

As you immerse yourself in French media — books, films, podcasts — pay close attention to how native speakers express suggestions. This will naturally expand your vocabulary and understanding of subtle differences.

For a comprehensive list of synonyms and related expressions, the WordReference entry for suggérer is an excellent starting point to explore the nuances of 'to suggest' in French.

I hope this article has helped clarify how to 'suggest' in French. As the French proverb goes, 'Qui donne un bon conseil, donne plus que de l'argent.' (He who gives good advice gives more than money.)

9 ways to say "to suggest" in French