Meaning and Usage
The verb 勧める (すすめる) means "to recommend" or "to urge someone to do something." It is commonly used when suggesting actions, items, or behaviors to others in a polite or persuasive way.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 勧める in contexts like recommending restaurants, books, or activities, as well as urging someone to take a certain action, such as studying or exercising.
Collocations and Patterns
- ～を勧める: to recommend something (e.g., 本を勧める - recommend a book)
- ～するように勧める: to urge someone to do something (e.g., 早く寝るように勧める - urge to sleep early)
- ～に勧める: to recommend to someone (e.g., 友達に映画を勧める - recommend a movie to a friend)
Register and Politeness
勧める is generally neutral and polite enough for everyday conversation and written language. It can be softened or made more formal with expressions like お勧めします.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 勧める with すすめる (進める), which means "to advance" or "to proceed." Pay attention to the kanji and context to avoid mixing these verbs.