prefiere
pre-FYEH-reh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella prefiere el café con leche.
A1She prefers coffee with milk.
¿Usted prefiere pagar en efectivo o con tarjeta?
A2Do you (formal) prefer to pay in cash or by card?
Mi hermano prefiere quedarse en casa que salir de fiesta.
B1My brother prefers staying home over going out to a party.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Boot' Verb Change
The verb 'preferir' changes its stem vowel 'e' to 'ie' in the present tense, except for the 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural informal) forms. This pattern is often called a 'boot' or 'shoe' verb because the change happens inside the shape of a boot on the conjugation chart.
Comparing Preferences
To say someone prefers one thing over another, you can simply use 'que' (than) or sometimes 'a' (to). Example: 'Preferencia ir al cine que quedarse en casa.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Ella *prefera* ir sola."
Correction: Ella *prefiere* ir sola. (Remember to change the 'e' to 'ie' in the third person singular.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using Infinitives
When 'prefiere' is followed by another action, use the base form of the second verb (the infinitive). Example: 'Preferencia leer (to read) antes de dormir.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: prefiere
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'prefiere'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'prefiere' the same as 'gusta' (likes)?
Not exactly. While both express positive feelings, 'prefiere' implies a choice or comparison, meaning 'likes X *more* than Y,' or 'chooses X.' 'Gusta' simply means 'likes' without necessarily comparing.
How do I know when to use 'prefiere' versus 'prefieren'?
'Preferencia' is for a single person ('he,' 'she,' or 'you formal'). 'Prefieren' is for multiple people ('they' or 'you plural formal'). If the subject is singular (like 'my dog' or 'the boss'), use 'prefiere'.