preferiríamos

Preferiríamos is the first-person plural conditional form of the Spanish verb preferir (to prefer). It corresponds to the nosotros form in the conditional simple and literally means “we would prefer.” The stem used in this tense is preferir-, and the endings for the conditional are -íamos, giving preferiríamos. Unlike the present tense forms of preferir, the conditional does not apply the e→ie stem change; the form remains a regular conditional ending attached to the infinitive stem. The accent on í marks the stress in the ending.

Usage: It expresses a hypothetical preference or a polite suggestion about what one would choose under certain conditions. It can appear without a following clause or with a subordinate clause introduced by que, where the verb in the subordinate clause is typically in the subjunctive: "Preferiríamos que vinieras temprano" (we would prefer that you came early).

Examples: "Preferiríamos ir al cine" (We would prefer to go to the cinema). "Preferiríamos quedarnos en casa si llueve" (We would prefer to stay at home if it rains).

Notes: This form is widely used in Spain and Latin America; in everyday speech, speakers may use other conditional or imperfect forms depending on nuance. Related forms include "preferiría" (I would prefer) and "preferimos" (we prefer).