Italian Phrase
Preferisco comprare online.
Meaning
The sentence means “I prefer to shop online.” It expresses a personal preference for buying goods via the internet rather than in a physical store.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are comparing shopping habits, explaining why you’ll order something on a website, or discussing the convenience of e‑commerce.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Preferiscocomprareonline
Preferire (verb)
Preferire is a regular -ire verb meaning 'to prefer'. It conjugates as Preferisco (I prefer) in the present indicative.
Infinitive after preferire
When preferire is followed by another verb, the second verb stays in the infinitive form (comprare).
Adverb 'online'
Online is an English loanword used as an adverb in Italian, meaning 'on the internet'.
🗨In Conversation
Preferisco comprare online.
I prefer to shop online.
Capisco, è più comodo e spesso più economico.
I understand, it’s more convenient and often cheaper.
✕Common Mistakes
Preferisco compro online.
The infinitive is correct after preferire; do not conjugate it (e.g., *compra*).
Preferisco comprare on line.
If you want a fully Italian phrase, use “su internet” or “in rete”.
↔Alternatives
Preferisco fare acquisti online.
I prefer to make purchases online.
Mi piace comprare su internet.
I like buying on the internet.
Preferisco comprare su internet piuttosto che in negozio.
I prefer buying on the internet rather than in a store.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, online shopping has grown rapidly, especially for electronics, fashion, and groceries. While “online” is widely understood, many Italians also say “su internet” or “in rete”. In formal contexts you might prefer “effettuare acquisti online” to sound more business‑like.