Spanish · Real conversations
Expressing preferences: useful Spanish phrases
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I like it
me gusta
I like it
- I don't like it
no me gusta
I don't like it
- I love it!
¡me encanta!
I love it!
- What do you recommend?
¿Qué me recomienda?
What do you recommend?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Spanish |
|---|---|
| I like it | me gusta I like it |
| I don't like it | no me gusta I don't like it |
| I love it! | ¡me encanta! I love it! |
| What do you recommend? | ¿Qué me recomienda? What do you recommend? |
| I'd rather ... | Preferiría … Show English translationI'd rather … |
| I'm in the mood for ... | Tengo ganas de … Show English translationI'm in the mood for … |
| Either is fine with me. | Cualquiera de las dos opciones me parece bien. Show English translationEither is fine with me. |
| I'm not very keen on ... | No me gusta mucho … Show English translationI'm not very keen on … |
| What do you like about ...? | ¿Qué te gusta de …? Show English translationWhat do you like about …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
¿Te gustaría ir a otro lugar?
Would you like to go somewhere else?
You
Preferiría quedarme aquí.
I'd rather stay here.
Partner
Entonces quedémonos. ¿Qué quieres tomar?
Let's stay, then. What would you like to drink?
You
Tengo ganas de tomar un café.
I'm in the mood for coffee.
Expressing preferences in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
