preferir present subjunctive conjugation
Preferir (to prefer) in the present subjunctive: prefiera, prefieras, prefiera, prefiramos, prefiráis, prefieran.
Presente de subjuntivo Present subjunctive
| yo | regular: prefera |
|---|---|
| tú | regular: preferas |
| él/ella/usted | regular: prefera |
| nosotros | regular: preferamos |
| vosotros | regular: preferáis |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | regular: preferan |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the present subjunctive
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How it is formed
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
Preferir is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above); the regular pattern would give prefera, preferas, prefera, preferamos, preferáis, preferan.
Read more: Spanish subjunctive: formation and triggers
Preferir in a sentence
- Prefiero el café al té.I prefer coffee over tea.
- Prefirió quedarse en casa.She preferred to stay home.
Stem-changing e→ie (present) and e→i (preterite/gerund: prefiriendo).
FAQ
What is the present subjunctive of preferir?
Preferir in the Spanish present subjunctive: yo prefiera, tú prefieras, él/ella/usted prefiera, nosotros prefiramos, vosotros prefiráis, ellos/ellas/ustedes prefieran.
Is preferir irregular in the present subjunctive?
Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: yo prefiera (regular would be prefera); tú prefieras (regular would be preferas); él/ella/usted prefiera (regular would be prefera); nosotros prefiramos (regular would be preferamos); vosotros prefiráis (regular would be preferáis); ellos/ellas/ustedes prefieran (regular would be preferan).
When do you use the Spanish present subjunctive?
The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) follows expressions of wishes, emotions, doubt, impersonal judgements and requests: “Quiero que vengas.” It also gives the usted/ustedes and negative tú commands.
How is the present subjunctive formed?
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o and add the “opposite” vowel: -ar → e, es, e, emos, éis, en; -er/-ir → a, as, a, amos, áis, an. So tengo → tenga, hago → haga. Six verbs are fully irregular: ser, estar, ir, haber, saber, dar.
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