How to Say "i prefer" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “i prefer” is “prefiero” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Prefiero la manzana al plátano.
I prefer the apple over the banana.
¿Té o café? Prefiero té, gracias.
Tea or coffee? I prefer tea, thank you.
Prefiero quedarme aquí a esperar la lluvia.
I prefer to stay here and wait for the rain.
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).
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.
Related Translations
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