Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| preferito | /pre.feˈri.to/ | |
| favorito | /fa.voˈri.to/ | |
| amato | /aˈma.to/ | masculine |
The term preferred is used to describe something you choose or like more than others, such as a favourite song or food. This is derived from the verb preferire, which means to prefer. When you want to use the word as a noun (e.g., 'the favourite'), Italian uses the adjective with a definite article, such as il mio preferito.
Which one should you use?
Use preferito when expressing a personal preference or choice among options, like a favourite food. In contrast, use favorito when referring to a person who receives special regard or favour or to a contestant or competitor thought most likely to win a contest. The word amato is a masculine form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective preferito must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It becomes preferita for feminine singular nouns, preferiti for masculine plural nouns and preferite for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pre.feˈri.to/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain Italian contexts, calling someone a preferito can imply they are a 'teacher's pet' or someone receiving unfair preferential treatment.
- While English uses 'favourite' for people and things, calling a person your preferito in Italian can sound cold, as if they are merely a choice on a list rather than a person you love.
- The word favorito shares its root with the English 'favour', both tracing back to the Latin 'favor', meaning 'goodwill' or 'kindness'.
Examples in context
- Ha il suo CD preferito.She's got her favourite CD.This sentence shows how to use preferito to describe a favourite CD.Tatoeba #2612038 by Guybrush88, translation #2612037 by sundown
- È il mio cibo preferito.It's my favourite food.This sentence shows how to use preferito to describe a favourite food.Tatoeba #3612699 by Guybrush88, translation #11903877 by sundown
- È il tuo cibo preferito?That's your favourite food?This sentence uses preferito to ask if a food is someone's favourite.Tatoeba #13443755 by Guybrush88, translation #10483453 by sundown
- Il mio film preferito è "La Vita è Bella."My favorite movie is "Life is Beautiful."
- La mia cucina preferita è quella italiana.My favorite cuisine is Italian.
- Tra tutte le città che ho visitato in Italia, Firenze è la mia città prediletta.Among all the cities I've visited in Italy, Florence is my favorite city.
- La mia materia prediletta a scuola è l'arte.My favorite subject in school is art.
- 123 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing movies at a cafe.
- FrancescoQual è il tuo film preferito?What is your favourite movie?
- ChiaraIl mio film preferito è quel classico.My favourite movie is that classic.
- FrancescoAnche per me è un grande classico.For me too, it is a great classic.
- ChiaraFrancesco, lo hai già visto dieci volte!Francesco, you have already seen it ten times!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “favourite” translations and entries preferito, favorito, amato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries favorito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
