tíyì: 提议 - To Propose, Suggestion, Proposal

• Keywords: 提议, tiyi, propose in Chinese, suggest in Chinese, make a proposal Chinese, Chinese for suggestion, 建议 vs 提议, formal proposal Chinese, HSK 5 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 提议 (tíyì), which means “to propose” or “a proposal.” This comprehensive guide explores how to use 提议 in formal contexts like business meetings and group decisions. We'll break down the characters, explain the cultural significance of making a formal proposal in China, and provide over 10 practical example sentences. Discover the key difference between 提议 (tíyì) and 建议 (jiànyì) to avoid common mistakes and speak more naturally.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): tíyì
• Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To formally put forward an idea or plan for consideration; a proposal or suggestion.
• In a Nutshell: 提议 (tíyì) is the act of putting a specific plan on the table for a group to discuss and decide upon. Think of it as making a motion in a meeting or formally suggesting a course of action. It's more structured than a casual suggestion and implies that you are presenting a considered idea for collective approval. It can be used as a verb (“I propose…”) or a noun (“His proposal…”).

• 提 (tí): The core meaning is “to lift” or “to raise.” The radical on the left, 扌 (shǒu), is the “hand” radical, signifying an action. In this word, it means to “put forward” or “bring up” an idea, as if you are lifting it up for everyone to see.
• 议 (yì): This character means “to discuss” or “to deliberate.” The radical on the left, 讠 (yán), is the “speech” radical. It signifies that the action involves talking and communication.
• Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “to lift up (提) for discussion (议).” This beautifully captures the essence of the word: presenting a concrete idea for a group to formally consider.

In Chinese culture, particularly in professional or formal settings, maintaining group harmony (和谐, héxié) is often highly valued. Directly demanding a course of action can be seen as confrontational. 提议 (tíyì) serves as a polite and structured tool to introduce a new idea without disrupting this harmony. By framing your idea as a 提议, you are not issuing a command; you are respectfully inviting discussion and collective deliberation. It shows that you value the group's input and are seeking consensus. This contrasts with the Western tendency in some business cultures to value decisive, individualistic leadership. Using 提议 is a way of “reading the room” and engaging in a collaborative decision-making process, which is often crucial for getting things done in China. It's a key tool for building consensus rather than forcing a decision.

提议 is most commonly used in situations where a group needs to make a collective decision.

• In Business Meetings: This is the most common context. It's used to introduce new strategies, plans, or changes for the team to consider.
  • e.g., “我提议，我们下个季度专注于线上市场。” (Wǒ tíyì, wǒmen xià ge jìdù zhuānzhù yú xiànshàng shìchǎng.) - “I propose that we focus on the online market next quarter.”
• Formal Group Planning: When organizing an event or trip with a group of people, using 提议 makes your suggestion sound more concrete and ready for a decision. It signals a shift from brainstorming to decision-making.
• As a Noun: The word is frequently used as a noun to refer to the proposal itself.
  • e.g., “大家对这个提议有什么意见？” (Dàjiā duì zhège tíyì yǒu shénme yìjiàn?) - “Does anyone have any opinions on this proposal?”

Its connotation is generally neutral and constructive. It is considered a formal and respectful way to contribute to a discussion.

• Example 1:
  • 他在会上提议改变公司的营销策略。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài huì shàng tíyì gǎibiàn gōngsī de yíngxiāo cèlüè.
  • English: He proposed changing the company's marketing strategy at the meeting.
  • Analysis: A classic example of 提议 used as a verb in a formal business context.
• Example 2:
  • 这个提议得到了大家的一致同意。
  • Pinyin: Zhège tíyì dédàole dàjiā de yízhì tóngyì.
  • English: This proposal received unanimous approval from everyone.
  • Analysis: Here, 提议 is used as a noun, referring to the idea that was proposed.
• Example 3:
  • 我提议，为了庆祝，我们今晚出去吃饭吧！
  • Pinyin: Wǒ tíyì, wèile qìngzhù, wǒmen jīnwǎn chūqù chīfàn ba!
  • English: I propose that we go out to eat tonight to celebrate!
  • Analysis: While still more formal than a simple “Let's go,” this shows how 提议 can be used in a semi-formal social setting among friends to make a concrete plan.
• Example 4:
  • 主席提议休会十分钟。
  • Pinyin: Zhǔxí tíyì xiūhuì shí fēnzhōng.
  • English: The chairman proposed a ten-minute recess.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in procedural contexts, like a formal meeting or conference.
• Example 5:
  • 你的提议非常有建设性，我们会认真考虑。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de tíyì fēicháng yǒu jiànshèxìng, wǒmen huì rènzhēn kǎolǜ.
  • English: Your proposal is very constructive; we will consider it seriously.
  • Analysis: Shows how to give positive feedback on someone's proposal (提议 as a noun).
• Example 6:
  • 关于这个问题，我提议我们先成立一个特别小组来研究。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒ tíyì wǒmen xiān chénglì yíge tèbié xiǎozǔ lái yánjiū.
  • English: Regarding this issue, I propose we first establish a special team to research it.
  • Analysis: A good sentence pattern for formally introducing a solution to a problem.
• Example 7:
  • 我反对这个提议，因为它没有考虑到我们的预算。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ fǎnduì zhège tíyì, yīnwèi tā méiyǒu kǎolǜ dào wǒmen de yùsuàn.
  • English: I oppose this proposal because it doesn't take our budget into account.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how to express disagreement with a proposal in a formal way.
• Example 8:
  • 我们来对王经理的提议进行投票表决。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen lái duì Wáng jīnglǐ de tíyì jìnxíng tóupiào biǎojué.
  • English: Let's hold a vote on Manager Wang's proposal.
  • Analysis: 投票 (tóupiào), meaning “to vote,” is an action that often follows a 提议.
• Example 9:
  • 中方提议双方立即停火并展开对话。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngfāng tíyì shuāngfāng lìjí tínghuǒ bìng zhǎnkāi duìhuà.
  • English: The Chinese side proposed that both parties immediately cease fire and begin dialogue.
  • Analysis: An example of 提议 used in the high-stakes context of diplomacy and international relations.
• Example 10:
  • 他的提议是，我们应该把会议推迟到下周。
  • Pinyin: Tā de tíyì shì, wǒmen yīnggāi bǎ huìyì tuīchí dào xiàzhōu.
  • English: His proposal is that we should postpone the meeting until next week.
  • Analysis: A common structure for reporting someone else's proposal: “His proposal is…”.

The most significant point of confusion for learners is the difference between 提议 (tíyì) and 建议 (jiànyì).

• 提议 (tíyì): A formal proposal for a group to act on. It's a concrete plan put forward for a decision. Think “motion” or “formal proposal.”
• 建议 (jiànyì): A general suggestion or piece of advice. It can be given to a group or an individual. It's less formal and doesn't necessarily require an immediate group decision. Think “suggestion” or “advice.”

Common Mistake Example:

• Incorrect: 我的医生提议我多运动。(Wǒ de yīshēng tíyì wǒ duō yùndòng.)
• Why it's wrong: A doctor gives personal advice, not a formal proposal for a group to vote on. This is a suggestion for an individual.
• Correct: 我的医生建议我多运动。(Wǒ de yīshēng jiànyì wǒ duō yùndòng.) - My doctor suggested I exercise more.

Rule of Thumb: If it's advice for one person, or a casual “how about we…” idea, use 建议 (jiànyì). If it's a structured plan presented to a group for a decision, use 提议 (tíyì).

• 建议 (jiànyì) - A general suggestion or piece of advice. It's the most important counterpart to 提议 and is more common in daily, informal conversation.
• 意见 (yìjiàn) - An opinion or viewpoint. You might ask for others' 意见 after you make a 提议.
• 方案 (fāng'àn) - A detailed plan, program, or scheme. A 提议 might be to adopt a specific 方案.
• 讨论 (tǎolùn) - To discuss. This is the action that a 提议 is intended to start.
• 同意 (tóngyì) - To agree. The positive outcome of a successful 提议.
• 反对 (fǎnduì) - To oppose or object to. The negative outcome of a 提议.
• 提出 (tíchū) - To put forward; to raise. A verb often used with 提议. For example, “他提出了一个新提议” (Tā tíchūle yíge xīn tíyì) - “He put forward a new proposal.”
• 动议 (dòngyì) - A motion (in a formal parliamentary sense). This is an extremely formal version of 提议 used in government or large organizations.