Italian · Everyday Verbs
"to prefer" in Italian: preferire
preferire
To prefer in Italian is preferire. Present: preferisco, preferisci, preferisce. Preferisco X a Y means I prefer X to Y.
Gelato choice
Preferisco il pistacchio al limone.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce preferire
Say it
preh-feh-REE-reh
/pre.feˈri.re/
Preferire: preh-feh-REE-reh. Preferisco: preh-feh-REES-koh. Stress REE.
"to prefer" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| preferire | to prefer Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| preferisco / preferisci / preferisce | I/you/he-she prefer(s) Present (-isc-). | Present (-isc-). |
| preferisco X a Y | I prefer X to Y Comparison. | Comparison. |
| preferirei… | I'd prefer… Softer conditional. | Softer conditional. |
How to use preferire in real life
- 1Gelato choice
Preferisco il pistacchio al limone.
I prefer pistachio to lemon.
Preferisco.
- 2Seat ask
Preferisci posto finestrino?
Do you prefer a window seat?
Preferisci.
- 3Evening plan
Preferisco restare a casa stasera.
I prefer to stay home tonight.
Infinitive after.
Mistakes English speakers make with preferire
Incorrect: Prefero il tè.
Correct: Preferisco il tè.
Preferire takes -isc-: preferisco.
Incorrect: La preferenza il caffè. (as verb)
Correct: Preferisco il caffè.
Use the verb preferisco, not only the noun preferenza.
Good to know
Preferisco… is polite decision language at tables and ticket windows. Preferirei softens a request. Italians compare with a: preferisco X a Y.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a film on the couch
ChatPal
Commedia o thriller?
Comedy or thriller?
You
Preferisco una commedia leggera.
I prefer a light comedy.
ChatPal
Ok. Io preferisco quello con i sottotitoli.
Ok. I prefer the one with subtitles.
You
Perfetto—metti play.
Perfect—hit play.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to prefer" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to prefer" in Italian
Infinitive?
Preferire.
I prefer?
Preferisco.
Why -isc-?
Preferire conjugates like capisco.
Prefer X to Y?
Preferisco X a Y.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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