sin preferencia
/sin pɾefeɾenθja/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no preference" is translated into Spanish as sin preferencia.
The phrase sin preferencia is used to indicate that you are indifferent or have no particular choice among the options presented.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition sin (without) and the noun preferencia (preference).
Which one should you use?
While sin preferencia is a direct way to say "no preference", the phrase no tengo preferencia is a more common way to express the full sentence "I have no preference" in conversation. If you want to signal that any of the offered options is acceptable, you can also use the phrase cualquiera está bien.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, one might say: No tengo ninguna preferencia. Me da lo mismo. In Spain, one might say: No tengo preferencia alguna. Me es igual.
How do you pronounce it?
/sin pɾefeɾenθja/
Did you know?
- The noun preferencia shares the same root as the English word 'prefer', but its structure is built from the Latin preferentia which refers to the act of carrying something before another.
- When choosing between two options, a Spanish speaker might simply say como quieras to signal no preference. This shifts the choice to the other person by saying 'as you wish'.
- In Mexico, you might hear the phrase Me da lo mismo, which translates to 'It gives me the same'.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are deciding which movie to watch.
- DanielSofía, ¿prefieres la comedia o la de terror?Sofía, do you prefer the comedy or the horror one?
- SofíaLa verdad es que estoy sin preferencia.To be honest, I have no preference.
- DanielEntonces elijamos la comedia para reírnos.Then let's choose the comedy to have a laugh.
- SofíaMe parece perfecto, Daniel.That sounds perfect, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
