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How to Say "i'd rather" in Spanish

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preferiría

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1informal
Use 'preferiría' to express a hypothetical or polite preference for one option over another, similar to 'I would prefer' or 'I'd rather'.

Examples

Yo preferiría ir al cine en lugar de quedarme en casa.

I would prefer to go to the cinema instead of staying home.

prefiero

pre-FIE-roh/pɾeˈfje.ɾo/

VerbA1informal
Use 'prefiero' to state a current, definite preference for one thing over another, often implying a stronger choice than 'preferiría'.
A single hand reaching clearly toward a bright red apple, demonstrating a preference over a green pear resting nearby on a simple wooden table.

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.

Hypothetical vs. Current Preference

Learners often confuse 'preferiría' and 'prefiero' by using 'prefiero' for hypothetical situations. Remember, 'preferiría' is for 'I would rather' (a conditional), while 'prefiero' is for 'I prefer' (a present fact).

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