Expressing Preference: mieluummin ... kuin
To state that you prefer one thing over another, use the comparative adverb mieluummin (rather / preferably) paired with kuin (than).
When comparing two actions, both verbs are conjugated to match the subject. Place mieluummin after the first verb and kuin before the second action.
| I would rather spend time outdoors than hang around indoors. | Ulkoilen mieluummin kuin oleskelen sisällä. |
| I prefer to travel rather than do sports. | Minä matkailen mieluummin kuin urheilen. |
You can expand this to compare entire verb phrases or activities:
| We would rather hike in the forest than work out at the gym. | Vaellamme mieluummin metsässä kuin treenaamme kuntosalilla. |
| I would rather decorate the living room myself than hire a designer. | Sisustan olohuoneen mieluummin itse kuin palkkaan suunnittelijan. |
When asking a preference question, the structure remains the same, starting with the question verb:
| Do you snowboard rather than ski? | Lumilautailetko mieluummin kuin hiihdät? |
If you are keeping the same verb but comparing two objects or methods (such as modes of transportation), ensure the noun cases match on both sides of kuin:
| Do you travel by train rather than by plane? | Matkustatteko mieluummin junalla kuin lentokoneella? |
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