1To recommend, advise, or encourage someone to do something; to urge. This sense is usually written 勧める.
先生はもっと勉強するように彼を勧めた。
The teacher urged him to study more.
医者は定期検診を受けることを勧めた。
The doctor recommended having regular checkups.
親は子供に早く寝ることを勧めることが多い。
Parents often encourage their children to go to bed early.
2To recommend something, such as a book or a candidate for a position; to suggest or endorse. This sense is especially written 薦める.
彼女はこの小説を友達に強く薦めた。
She strongly recommended this novel to her friend.
新しい職員をチームリーダーに薦める声が多い。
Many people are suggesting the new employee be made team leader.
このレストランはコース料理を薦めます。
This restaurant recommends the course menu.
3To offer something (a drink, cigarette, seat, etc.) to someone.
彼が私にコーヒーを勧めてくれたので、一緒に飲んだ。
He offered me coffee, so I drank it with him.
電車で年配の人に席を勧めた。
I offered my seat to an elderly person on the train.
会議中に新しいアイデアを勧められた。
I was presented with a new idea during the meeting.