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preferencia

pray-fay-RAIN-syah/pɾefeˈɾenθja/

“preferencia” means “preference” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

preference

Also: favorite choice
NounfA2
A child reaching for a bright red apple instead of a green one on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Tengo una preferencia por la comida picante.

A2

I have a preference for spicy food.

¿Cuáles son tus preferencias para el viaje?

B1

What are your preferences for the trip?

Damos preferencia a los productos locales.

B2

We give preference to local products.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • predilección (predilection/liking)
  • favoritismo (favoritism)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • en mi preferencia – in my preference
  • tener preferencia por – to have a preference for

priority

Also: right of way
NounfB1
An ambulance with flashing lights driving ahead of other cars on a road.

📝 In Action

En este cruce, los peatones tienen preferencia.

B1

In this crossing, pedestrians have the right of way.

El coche azul no respetó la preferencia.

B2

The blue car did not respect the right of way.

Tienen preferencia las familias con niños.

A2

Families with children have priority.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar preferencia – to give priority
  • cartel de preferencia – priority sign

Idioms & Expressions

  • tener preferencia de paso – to have the legal right of way in traffic

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "preferencia" in Spanish:

favorite choice→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: preferencia

Question 1 of 3

Which preposition should you use after 'preferencia' to say you like something best?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
preferir(to prefer) — Verb
preferido(favorite) — Adjective
preferible(preferable) — Adjective
preferente(preferred/priority) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'praeferentia', which comes from 'prae-' (before/in front) and 'ferre' (to carry). It literally means 'carrying something in front of everything else.'

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: préférenceItalian: preferenzaPortuguese: preferência

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'preferencia' the same as 'prioridad'?

They are very similar! 'Preferencia' is used more for personal tastes and traffic, while 'prioridad' is used more for tasks or things that are urgent.

How do I say 'my favorite' using this word?

Actually, for 'my favorite', it's more natural to use the adjective 'mi preferido' or 'mi favorito'. Use 'preferencia' for the general idea, like 'My preference is chocolate'.

Can I use 'preferencia' for a person?

Not usually. You wouldn't call a person 'a preference'. You would say they are your 'persona preferida'.