提出

• Pinyin: tí chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌(hand) + 是 (phonetic); 出 = 屮 (sprout) repeated — going out, emerging

Meaning

To put forward; to propose; to raise. To formally present an idea, suggestion, or request.

A compound verb meaning to put forward or propose something for consideration. Commonly used with ideas (提出想法), suggestions (提出建议), questions (提出问题), and requests (提出要求). More formal than simply 说 and implies the proposal deserves attention and discussion.

Examples

1. 他提出了一个好建议。 He put forward a good suggestion.
2. 老师让我们提出问题。 The teacher asked us to raise questions.
3. 公司提出了新的计划。 The company proposed a new plan.

Usage Guide

Context: meetings, school, work, formal discussion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请大家提出自己的意见。(Everyone, please put forward your opinions.)
• 她提出要换一个时间开会。(She proposed changing the meeting time.)

Don't Say

• 我提出了你好 (Don't use 提出 for greetings or casual remarks — it's for formal proposals, suggestions, or questions that require consideration)

Origin & History

提 (tí, to raise/lift) + 出 (chū, out). Literally to 'raise out' — to bring forth an idea or proposal from within oneself for others to consider.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal