prefiero
pre-FIE-roh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Prefiero la manzana al plátano.
A1I prefer the apple over the banana.
¿Té o café? Prefiero té, gracias.
A1Tea or coffee? I prefer tea, thank you.
Prefiero quedarme aquí a esperar la lluvia.
A2I prefer to stay here and wait for the rain.
Prefiero que me llames mañana.
B1I prefer that you call me tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
The Shoe Verb Pattern
In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'preferir' changes to 'ie' (prefiero, prefieres, prefiere). But for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, the 'e' stays put! It's called a 'shoe verb' because the changes only happen inside a shoe-shaped boundary on the conjugation table.
Choosing Between Actions
When you prefer to do one thing over another, simply use 'preferir' followed by the base form of the second verb (infinitive): 'Prefiero comer paella' (I prefer to eat paella).
Using the Subjunctive
If you use 'prefiero que...' (I prefer that...) followed by someone else doing an action, you must use the special verb form called the subjunctive: 'Prefiero que tú vayas' (I prefer that you go).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo prefero ir."
Correction: Yo prefiero ir. Always remember the 'ie' change in the 'I' form.
Confusing Subjunctive Use
Mistake: "Prefiero que tú vas."
Correction: Prefiero que tú vayas. When expressing a desire or preference directed at another person, the verb after 'que' must change its ending.
⭐ Usage Tips
Comparing Choices
To compare two specific things, use 'prefiero [A] a [B]'. (I prefer [A] to [B]). For example: 'Prefiero la playa al bosque' (I prefer the beach to the forest).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: prefiero
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'prefiero' to express a choice?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'prefiero' a regular verb?
No. Although it follows the normal '-ir' endings in most tenses (like the past), it is irregular in the present tense because the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (prefiero, prefieres, prefiere). These are sometimes called 'boot verbs'.
How do I say 'I prefer NOT to...'?
You simply place 'no' immediately before the conjugated verb: 'No prefiero salir esta noche' (I prefer not to go out tonight).