plantear
verbCEFR B2
What does “plantear” mean in English?
to pose, to raise
to pose, to raise (to introduce a question, problem, or proposal for consideration; plantear una pregunta / un problema)
Example sentences
El informe plantea una pregunta que hasta ahora nadie había formulado de manera tan directa.
The report raises a question that until now no one had formulated so directly.
Antes de plantear posibles soluciones, conviene comprender a fondo la naturaleza del problema.
Before putting forward possible solutions, it is important to fully understand the nature of the problem.
El caso plantea serias dudas sobre la eficacia de los mecanismos de control existentes.
The case raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of the existing control mechanisms.
How to use it
Plantear has two important B2 senses. (1) To pose, to raise (plantear una pregunta / un problema / una hipótesis — introducing something for consideration or debate). (2) To present a proposal (plantear una solución — putting forward an option). The frame is transitive: plantear + noun. It is a framing verb: it opens a debate move rather than closing one. 'Replantear' (to reframe/reconsider) adds the prefix re- to signal returning to a previous issue with fresh eyes.
Common mistake
Do not confuse plantear (to raise/pose/put forward) with presentar (to present) — plantear specifically opens a debate or introduces something that requires deliberation. Also: 'plantear que + indicative' is possible ('plantea que la situación es grave') but the more common frame is plantear + noun object.