The verb preferir expresses preferences and is essential for discussing choices. Its full conjugation, including stem changes and usage with que + subjunctive, allows precise expression of preferred actions or situations.
Conjugation
Preferir is a regular -ir verb with a stem change (e > ie) in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.
Stem: prefer- → prefier- (except nos/vos)
| Tense | Yo | Tú | Él/Ella/Ud. | Nosotros | Vosotros | Ellos/Uds. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present | prefiero | prefieres | prefiere | preferimos | preferís | prefieren |
| Preterite | preferí | preferiste | prefirió | preferimos | preferisteis | prefirieron |
| Imperfect | prefería | preferías | prefería | preferíamos | preferíais | preferían |
| Future | preferiré | preferirás | preferirá | preferiremos | preferiréis | preferirán |
| Conditional | preferiría | preferirías | preferiría | preferiríamos | preferiríais | preferirían |
| Present Subj. | prefiera | prefieras | prefiera | prefiramos | prefiráis | prefieran |
The correct form is *prefiero*, with the stem change e > ie.
*preferir* keeps 'prefer-' only for nosotros and vosotros.
Usage
Preferir means “to prefer” and is used like this:
- Affirmative: prefiero, prefieres, prefiere… + direct object or infinitive
(Prefiero el café. / Prefiero viajar.)
- Negative: same structure with no + preferir
(No prefiero té.)
- Comparisons: can be used with más que
(Prefiero estudiar más que salir.)
- Subjunctive: When expressing preference about someone else’s actions, use preferir que + subjunctive
(Prefiero que vengas temprano.)
*preferir* is used with nouns, infinitives, and with *que* + subjunctive for preferences that influence others.
Examples
| Context | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| Present (simple) | Prefiero el té. | I prefer tea. |
| Present (infinitive) | Prefiero descansar por la tarde. | I prefer to rest in the afternoon. |
| Negative | No prefiero salir hoy. | I don't prefer to go out today. |
| Comparison | Prefiero el verano más que el invierno. | I prefer summer over winter. |
| Subjunctive | Prefiero que tú hagas la tarea. | I prefer that you do the homework. |
| Past (preterite) | Preferí quedarme en casa ayer. | I preferred to stay home yesterday. |
The subjunctive stem is *prefier-* due to the e>ie stem change.
Exercises
- Conjugate: Write the present tense of preferir for all subjects.
- Translate: I prefer coffee to tea. / She prefers to read. / We preferred to stay home.
- Subjunctive: Create 3 sentences using preferir que + subjunctive.
- Identify: Which are correct?
a) Prefiero salir.
b) Prefiero que salgas.
c) Prefiero que salir.
d) Preferimos viajar.
Conclusion
Preferir is a versatile verb for expressing tastes and priorities, with unique stem changes and subjunctive usage.
- Use preferir to clearly express what you like better in any situation.
- Pay attention to stem changes (e>ie) in present and subjunctive forms.
- Combine with que + subjunctive to express preferences about others’ actions.