How to say "suggestion" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 提案ていあんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA suggestion in the sense of a plan, idea, or proposal put forward for others to consider, as at a meeting. This is the word for proposing something concrete.
- 示唆しさnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA suggestion in the sense of a hint or implication: something conveyed indirectly rather than stated outright. It is not the word for a proposal or piece of advice.
- 勧めすすめnounA suggestion that someone do something — a recommendation or encouragement to take an action. Use it when you urge or advise a course of action rather than propose an idea.
- 助言じょげんnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbA suggestion made as advice: counsel or a tip offered to help someone with a decision or problem, rather than a plan being proposed.
- 連想れんそうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers suggestion only in the sense of association of ideas — one thing evoking or reminding you of another. It is seldom the word you want for a suggestion in everyday senses like a proposal or advice.
Use 提案 for a plan or idea put forward for consideration, 「勧め」 for urging someone to do something, 助言 for advice, 示唆 for an indirect hint or implication, and 連想 only for the mental association sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 提案ていあんproposal
- 示唆しさsuggestion
- 勧めすすめrecommendation
- 助言じょげんadvice
- 連想れんそうassociation (of ideas)
- 暗示あんじhint
- 発案はつあんsuggestion
- 発議はつぎproposal
- 案あんidea
- 思いつきおもいつきidea
- 進言しんげんadvice (to a superior)
- 建議けんぎproposition
- サジェストsuggestion
- 献策けんさくsuggestion
- サジェスチョンsuggestion
- 発意はついidea
- ほのめかしhint
- 建言けんげんoffering an opinion (to a superior, the government, etc.)
- おすすめrecommendation
- 建策けんさくmaking a plan
- 入れ知恵いれぢえputting an idea into someone's head
- 心添えこころぞえadvice
- しょうようadvice
- オヌヌメrecommendation
- 差し金さしがねinstigation
See also
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