Translation guide
How to express the idea of a suggestion in Japanese, from casual hints to formal proposals.
To propose an idea or course of action in everyday conversation.
A very common casual pattern meaning 'How about doing ~?' or 'Why don't you ~?'. Used with the plain past (ta-form) of a verb.
映画に行ったらどう？
How about going to a movie?
少し休んだらどう？
Why don't you rest a bit?
A shorter, casual suggestion pattern using the conditional form. Often used with いいんじゃない (isn't it good?).
行けば？
Why not go?
聞いてみればいいんじゃない？
Why don't you try asking?
A noun meaning 'proposal' or 'suggestion'. More formal than the patterns above. Often used in business contexts.
いい提案ですね。
That's a good suggestion.
To propose an idea politely, in a business or formal setting.
A polite way to say 'How about ~?' or 'Would you like to ~?'. Used with the te-form of a verb.
お茶を飲んではいかがですか。
How about having some tea?
この本を読んではいかがですか。
How about reading this book?
Similar to 〜てはいかがですか, but uses the ta-form. Slightly more indirect and polite.
一度試したらいかがですか。
Why don't you try it once?
The honorific form of 提案, used when referring to someone else's suggestion respectfully.
ご提案ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your suggestion.
To express a suggestion that is not stated directly, often to be tactful.
A noun meaning 'hint', 'suggestion', or 'implication'. Used when something is suggested indirectly.
彼の言葉には重要な示唆が含まれていた。
His words contained an important suggestion.
A verb meaning 'to hint at' or 'to suggest indirectly'.
To suggest a course of action as advice.
A common loanword meaning 'advice' or 'suggestion'. Casual and widely used.
何かアドバイスはありますか？
Do you have any suggestions?
A more formal word for 'advice' or 'suggestion'. Often used in professional contexts.
To refer to a suggestion in the context of feedback or improvement.
Means 'opinion' or 'suggestion'. Commonly used for feedback.
ご意見をお聞かせください。
Please let us know your suggestions.
Loanword meaning 'idea' or 'suggestion'. Often used in creative or business contexts.
提案 (teian) is a direct, concrete proposal, while 示唆 (shisa) is an indirect hint or implication. Use 提案 for clear suggestions and 示唆 when something is merely suggested without being stated outright.
新しい企画を提案した。
I proposed a new project.
彼の沈黙は同意を示唆していた。
His silence suggested agreement.
The English word 'suggestion' is often not directly translated. Instead, Japanese uses patterns like 〜たらどう？ or 〜てはいかがですか to make suggestions naturally. Using the noun 提案 in casual speech can sound stiff.
それは面白い提案ですね。
That's an interesting suggestion.
提案があります。
I have a suggestion.
彼は辞職をほのめかした。
He hinted at resigning.
I sought expert advice.
何かいいアイデアはない？
Any good suggestions?