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Conjugation Chart

“Preferir” (to prefer) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

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Understanding the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of “Preferir”

The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Preferir is used to give direct orders or instructions related to preferring something, for example: Prefiere la ensalada a la hamburguesa. (Prefer the salad over the hamburger.)

This is a stem-changing verb, where the ‘e’ changes to ‘ie’ in all forms except nosotros/nosotras and vosotros/vosotras.

How to Use Preferir in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

Preferir generally means “to prefer” or “to choose one thing over another”, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To prefer or choose: This is the most common meaning, used when telling someone to choose or favor one option over others. For example, Prefiere la pizza sobre el sushi. (Prefer the pizza over the sushi.)

To prioritize: It can also mean to prioritize or put something first. For example, Prefieran su salud ante todo. (Prioritize your health above all.)

To favor or side with: In some contexts, it means to favor or side with someone or something. For example, Prefieran la verdad, no las mentiras. (Favor the truth, not the lies.)

Colloquial usage: In informal contexts, it can take on a dismissive or sarcastic tone, essentially meaning “go ahead and do what you want”. For example, Prefiere hacerlo tú mismo entonces. (Go ahead and do it yourself then.)

Real Life Examples of Preferir in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Prefiere la salud a la riqueza! (Prioritize health over wealth!)

Mamá, prefiramos comer en casa esta noche. (Mom, let’s prefer to eat at home tonight.)

Jefe, prefiera contratar a alguien con experiencia. (Boss, you should prefer to hire someone with experience.)

Amigos, preferid actividades al aire libre este fin de semana. (Friends, prefer outdoor activities this weekend.)

Compañeros, prefieran viajar de forma sostenible. (Colleagues, prefer to travel sustainably.)

Hijo, prefiere estudiar en lugar de jugar videojuegos. (Son, prefer studying instead of playing video games.)

En la vida, prefiere ser feliz que rico. (In life, prefer to be happy rather than rich.)

Para mantenerte en forma, prefiere caminar en lugar de tomar el autobús. (To stay in shape, prefer walking instead of taking the bus.)

En las reuniones, prefiramos escuchar antes de hablar. (In meetings, let’s prefer to listen before speaking.)

Cuando viajes, prefiere probar la comida local. (When traveling, prefer to try the local food.)

Chicos, preferid pasar tiempo de calidad con la familia. (Guys, prefer spending quality time with family.)

Para una vida equilibrada, prefieran el ejercicio regular. (For a balanced life, prefer regular exercise.)

En el trabajo, prefiere ser proactivo que reactivo. (At work, prefer being proactive rather than reactive.)

Si quieres progresar, prefiere la mentalidad de crecimiento. (If you want to progress, prefer a growth mindset.)

En las discusiones, prefiramos el respeto mutuo. (In discussions, let’s prefer mutual respect.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Preferir (to prefer) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.