vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Preferir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prefer", and "querer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to want". Learn more about the difference between "preferir" and "querer" below.
preferir(
preh
-
feh
-
reer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Prefiero que se lo digas tú porque a ti te hace más caso.I'd rather you told him because he listens to you more.
¿No preferirías ir de vacaciones al extranjero este año?Wouldn't you rather vacation abroad this year?
querer(
keh
-
rehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
5. (romance)
a. love affair
Cuando salió a relucir su querer, el gobernador renunció.When his love affair was exposed, the governor resigned.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
quererse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
