How to Say "better" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “better” is “mejor” — use 'mejor' when comparing two or more things as an adjective, or when describing how an action is performed as an adverb.
mejor
me-HORmeˈxoɾ
Examples
Este libro es mejor que el anterior.
This book is better than the previous one.
Este café es mejor que el de ayer.
This coffee is better than yesterday's.
Tengo una idea mejor para el proyecto.
I have a better idea for the project.
La vida en el campo es mucho mejor.
Life in the countryside is much better.
One Form for Masculine & Feminine
'Mejor' is special because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. You say 'el coche mejor' (the better car) and 'la casa mejor' (the better house).
Making it Plural
To talk about more than one thing, just add '-es' to the end: 'mejores'. For example, 'Estos libros son mejores' (These books are better).
Always Stays the Same
When 'mejor' describes an action (a verb), it never changes. It's always just 'mejor', no matter who is doing the action. 'Yo canto mejor', 'Ellos cantan mejor'.
Saying 'Más Bueno'
Mistake: “Este libro es más bueno que ese.”
Correction: Este libro es mejor que ese. Spanish combines 'más + bueno' (more good) into the single word 'mejor' when comparing quality.
Confusing with 'Más Bien'
Mistake: “Hablo español más bien ahora.”
Correction: Hablo español mejor ahora. Use 'mejor' to talk about improvement. 'Más bien' means something different, closer to 'rather' or 'actually'.
mejores
meh-KHO-ressmeˈxo.ɾes
Examples
Tus ideas son mejores que las mías.
Your ideas are better than mine.
Estos zapatos son mejores que los otros.
These shoes are better than the other ones.
Tenemos mejores ideas para el proyecto.
We have better ideas for the project.
Mis notas son mejores este semestre.
My grades are better this semester.
The Plural of 'Better'
'Mejores' is simply the plural form of 'mejor' (better). Use it when you're talking about more than one person or thing that is better than something else.
Saying 'More Good'
Mistake: “Estos libros son más buenos.”
Correction: Estos libros son mejores. In Spanish, 'mejor' already includes the idea of 'more good', so you don't need to add 'más'.
preferible
pre-fe-REE-blepɾefeˈɾiβle
Examples
Es preferible estudiar antes del examen.
It is better to study before the exam.
Es preferible llegar diez minutos antes.
It is better to arrive ten minutes early.
Sería preferible que nos reuniéramos mañana.
It would be preferable if we met tomorrow.
En este clima, es preferible llevar ropa de algodón.
In this climate, it's preferable to wear cotton clothing.
One Form for All
This word ends in 'e,' which means it stays the same regardless of whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person or thing. You don't need to change it to 'preferibla'.
Using it with 'que'
When you say 'Es preferible que...' (It's preferable that...), the next verb needs a special form (called the subjunctive) because you are expressing a wish or a recommendation rather than a cold fact.
Don't say 'más preferible'
Mistake: “Esta opción es más preferible.”
Correction: Esta opción es preferible (or mucho mejor). Since 'preferible' already means 'more desirable,' adding 'más' is like saying 'more better' in English.
Choosing between 'mejor' and 'mejor(es)'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.