How to Say “Prefer” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Bonjour! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary or simply want to learn how to express your preferences in French, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “prefer” in French, both formally and informally. We will also provide various tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our fascinating journey of expressing preference in French!

Formal Ways to Say “Prefer”

Formal expressions are typically used in professional or formal contexts. Here are some common phrases to express preference formally in French:

1. Préférer – This is the most common and straightforward word for “to prefer” in French. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. For example:
   

   J’aime le vin, mais je préfère la bière. (I like wine, but I prefer beer.)

2. Prioriser – This word conveys the idea of giving priority to something. It can be used when you want to express a strong preference or prioritize one option over another. For example:
   

   Je dois prioriser mon travail avant mes loisirs. (I need to prioritize my work over my leisure activities.)

Informal Ways to Say “Prefer”

Informal expressions are used in everyday conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances. Here are some common informal phrases to express preference in French:

1. Aimer mieux – This expression is often used in informal conversations to mean “to prefer.” It is more likely to be used in spoken language than in formal writing. For example:
   

   J’aime mieux le cinéma que le théâtre. (I prefer movies to theater.)

2. Trouver que – Although this expression literally means “to find that,” it can be used to express preference when followed by an adjective or an adverb. For example:
   

   Je trouve que cette robe est plus jolie que l’autre. (I find this dress prettier than the other one.)

Regional Variations

While the basic expressions for “prefer” mentioned above are widely used throughout the French-speaking world, there are a few regional variations that are worth mentioning:

• Enchanté(e) – In Quebec, Canada, some French speakers use the word “enchanté(e)” to express a preference. However, this is more colloquial and cannot be considered standard French. For example:
  

  J’en suis enchanté! (I prefer it that way! / I like it better that way!)

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you express your preferences accurately in French:

1. Use the verb aimer (to like) followed by mieux (better) to express a preference in a comparative manner. For example:
   

   J’aime mieux le chocolat que la vanille. (I prefer chocolate to vanilla.)

2. In informal conversations, you can also use expressions like je préfère personnellement (I personally prefer) or pour ma part (for my part) to emphasize your personal preference. For example:
   

   Pour ma part, je préfère vivre à la campagne. (For my part, I prefer living in the countryside.)

3. Remember that word order is important. In French, the verb typically comes before the subject. For example:
   

   Je préfère le thé au café. (I prefer tea to coffee.)

4. Don’t forget to use appropriate articles (le, la, les) before the nouns when expressing preference. For example:
   

   Je préfère le livre à la télévision. (I prefer the book to the television.)

Voilà! You now have a solid understanding of how to express preference in French, both formally and informally. Practice these phrases, experiment with different contexts, and soon you’ll sound like a native French speaker when discussing your preferences. Happy learning!