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

Preferir is a stem-changing verb, meaning the ‘e’ in the stem changes to ‘ie’ in certain conjugations. This change occurs in the present tense forms for all subjects except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Preferir (to prefer) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish):

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 ensalada a las papas fritas. (Prefer the salad over the french fries.)

To prioritize: Used when instructing someone to put something as their top priority or focus. For example, Prefiere terminar tu tarea antes de salir con tus amigos. (Prioritize finishing your homework before going out with your friends.)

To favor or side with (colloquial): In informal contexts, it can mean to take someone’s side or favor their position. For example, Prefiere a tu hermana en esta discusión. (Side with your sister in this argument.)

To desire or want (slang): In some slang usage, it can mean to strongly desire or want something, often with a sexual connotation. For example, Prefiere a esa chica linda. (You want that pretty girl.)

Examples

Examples of Preferir in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

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

Si quieres vivir una vida plena, prefiere las experiencias sobre las posesiones materiales. (If you want to live a fulfilling life, prefer experiences over material possessions.)

Mamá, prefiramos comer en casa esta noche. La comida casera es más saludable. (Mom, let’s prefer eating at home tonight. Homemade food is healthier.)

En el trabajo, prefiera la honestidad ante todo. La integridad es fundamental. (At work, prefer honesty above all else. Integrity is essential.)

Amigos, prefieran disfrutar del momento presente en lugar de preocuparse por el futuro. (Friends, prefer enjoying the present moment instead of worrying about the future.)

Para mantener una mente sana, prefiere el ejercicio regular y una dieta equilibrada. (To maintain a healthy mind, prefer regular exercise and a balanced diet.)

En las relaciones, prefiere la comunicación abierta y el respeto mutuo. (In relationships, prefer open communication and mutual respect.)

Cuando viajes, prefiere sumergirte en la cultura local en lugar de seguir la ruta turística típica. (When traveling, prefer immersing yourself in the local culture instead of following the typical tourist route.)

En tu desarrollo profesional, prefiere aprender continuamente y aceptar desafíos nuevos. (In your professional development, prefer continuous learning and embracing new challenges.)

Si buscas la felicidad, prefiere cultivar relaciones significativas en lugar de perseguir metas superficiales. (If you seek happiness, prefer cultivating meaningful relationships instead of pursuing superficial goals.)

Hijos, prefieran la lectura y el estudio sobre pasar horas frente a una pantalla. (Children, prefer reading and studying over spending hours in front of a screen.)

En situaciones difíciles, prefiere mantener la calma y buscar soluciones constructivas. (In difficult situations, prefer remaining calm and seeking constructive solutions.)

Cuando elijas un estilo de vida, prefiere uno sostenible y respetuoso con el medio ambiente. (When choosing a lifestyle, prefer one that is sustainable and respectful of the environment.)

En tus finanzas personales, prefiere ahorrar e invertir sabiamente para el futuro. (In your personal finances, prefer saving and investing wisely for the future.)

En tus relaciones familiares, prefiere el amor incondicional y el apoyo mutuo. (In your family relationships, prefer unconditional love and mutual support.)

Conjugations with English Translations

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

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian 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.