The Present Tense of Preferir is used to express preferences in the present moment. For example, Yo prefiero el café negro. (I prefer black coffee.)

Preferir is a stem-changing verb, meaning the vowel in the stem changes in certain conjugations. The e changes to ie in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Preferir (to prefer) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Preferir generally means to prefer or to like something better than another, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To prefer or like better: This is the most common meaning, indicating a choice or inclination towards one thing over another, for example, Prefiero la pizza a las hamburguesas (I prefer pizza to hamburgers).

To choose: It can also mean to choose or select something, for example, Prefiero quedarme en casa esta noche (I choose to stay home tonight).

To favor: In some contexts, it can mean to favor or support something, for example, Prefiero la idea de reciclar más (I favor the idea of recycling more).

To want more: In a colloquial sense, it can mean to want or desire something more than something else, for example, Prefiero un poco más de sal en la comida (I want a little more salt in the food).

To rather: It can also express a preference for one action over another, for example, Prefiero irme a casa (I’d rather go home).

To find more appealing (colloquial): In a casual or informal context, it can mean to find something more appealing or attractive, for example, Prefiero a la chica rubia (I find the blonde girl more appealing).

Examples

Examples of Preferir in the Present Tense

Yo prefiero tomar café por la mañana. (I prefer to have coffee in the morning.)

¿Tú prefieres la playa o la montaña para vacacionar? (Do you prefer the beach or the mountains for vacation?)

Ella prefiere leer novelas en lugar de ver películas. (She prefers reading novels instead of watching movies.)

Nosotros preferimos comer comida casera en lugar de pedir a domicilio. (We prefer to eat homemade food instead of ordering takeout.)

Ellos prefieren viajar en avión porque es más rápido. (They prefer to travel by plane because it’s faster.)

En la oficina, prefiero trabajar en un ambiente tranquilo. (At the office, I prefer to work in a quiet environment.)

¿Prefieres salir a cenar o quedarte en casa esta noche? (Do you prefer going out for dinner or staying home tonight?)

Mi hermana prefiere los deportes de equipo, como el fútbol. (My sister prefers team sports, like soccer.)

Nosotros preferimos pasar tiempo al aire libre cuando hace buen clima. (We prefer to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice.)

Ellos prefieren ver películas de acción en lugar de comedias. (They prefer to watch action movies instead of comedies.)

Yo prefiero estudiar por la noche cuando todo está tranquilo. (I prefer to study at night when everything is quiet.)

¿Prefieres ir a la fiesta o quedarte en casa? (Do you prefer going to the party or staying home?)

Ella prefiere viajar en tren porque puede disfrutar del paisaje. (She prefers to travel by train because she can enjoy the scenery.)

Nosotros preferimos comer comida saludable para mantenernos en forma. (We prefer to eat healthy food to stay in shape.)

Ellos prefieren escuchar música rock en lugar de música clásica. (They prefer to listen to rock music instead of classical music.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Preferir (to prefer) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.