Translation guide
How to express recommending something or someone in Japanese, from casual suggestions to formal endorsements.
Casually or politely suggesting that someone try, use, or do something.
A common way to make a suggestion: 'How about doing ~?' or 'Why don't you ~?'. Attach to the past tense plain form of a verb.
Why don't you read this book?
How about taking a break?
Soft suggestion: 'I think it would be good if you ~'. Use the conditional ば form of the verb.
I think you should go early.
Noun meaning 'recommendation'. Often used in the phrase おすすめです (I recommend it). Very common in shops and casual conversation.
I recommend this one.
What do you recommend? (lit. What is the recommended dish?)
Verb meaning 'to recommend' or 'to offer'. Can be used for recommending things or actions.
My friend recommended this restaurant to me.
Officially endorsing someone for a job, or recommending a product/service in a formal context.
Formal verb for 'recommend', often used for recommending people for positions, schools, or awards.
I recommend him for the department manager position.
Formal verb for 'recommend', often used for products, methods, or policies by organizations.
We recommend using this software.
Advising someone not to do something.
Common way to say 'You shouldn't ~' or 'It's better not to ~'. Attach to the plain negative form of a verb.
You shouldn't smoke.
勧める (susumeru) is the general verb for recommending something to someone. 推薦する (suisen suru) is formal and often used for recommending people. 推奨する (suishō suru) is formal and used for recommending things like products or methods.
I recommended this movie to my friend.
The professor recommended me.
The government recommends wearing masks.
おすすめ is mainly for things (food, products, places). For recommending a person, use 推薦する or rephrase.
I recommend this book.
Can you recommend a good restaurant?
I wouldn't recommend it.