Translation guide
The English word "proposal" covers several distinct situations: a formal suggestion or plan, a marriage proposal, a business or project proposal, and a formal motion in a meeting. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each.
A formal suggestion, plan, or idea put forward for consideration, often in business, government, or academic contexts.
The most common and general word for a proposal or suggestion. Used in business, meetings, and everyday situations.
新しいプロジェクトの提案をしました。
I made a proposal for a new project.
彼の提案は会議で承認された。
His proposal was approved at the meeting.
A formal proposal or recommendation, often from an expert or committee. Slightly more weighty than 提案.
委員会は政府に政策の提言を行った。
The committee made a policy proposal to the government.
An original proposal or initiative; emphasizes that the idea originated from the proposer.
この企画は彼女の発案です。
This project was her proposal (original idea).
An offer of marriage.
The standard loanword for a marriage proposal. Used as a noun and a verb (プロポーズする).
彼は彼女にプロポーズした。
He proposed to her.
素敵なプロポーズでした。
It was a wonderful proposal.
A more traditional and formal way to say "propose marriage." Literally "to apply for marriage."
彼は彼女に結婚を申し込んだ。
He proposed marriage to her.
A formal or literary term for proposing marriage. Rare in everyday conversation.
彼は彼女に求婚した。
He proposed to her.
A detailed written plan or offer, often in response to a request for proposals (RFP) or as a sales pitch.
A written proposal document. The standard term in business contexts.
提案書を明日までに提出してください。
Please submit the proposal by tomorrow.
A planning proposal or project proposal document, often used for internal projects or creative pitches.
新製品の企画書を作成しています。
I'm preparing a proposal for a new product.
Loanword used in some business or academic contexts, especially for formal written proposals. Less common than 提案書.
プロポーザルを評価する基準を教えてください。
Please tell me the criteria for evaluating proposals.
A formal suggestion put to a vote in a meeting or assembly.
A formal motion in a meeting. Used with verbs like 提出する (to introduce) or 可決する (to pass).
彼は会議で動議を提出した。
He introduced a motion at the meeting.
その動議は満場一致で可決された。
The motion was passed unanimously.
The verb "to propose" can be used in meeting contexts, but 動議 is the specific noun for a motion.
彼は新しい規則を提案した。
He proposed a new rule.
提案 (ていあん) is the general term for a suggestion or proposal. 提言 (ていげん) is a formal recommendation, often from an authoritative source. 発案 (はつあん) emphasizes that the idea originated with the proposer and is often used for original initiatives.
Using 提案 for a marriage proposal sounds businesslike and unromantic. Use プロポーズ or 結婚を申し込む instead.