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PhrasesCancelling PlansCon questo tempo, preferisco restare a casa.
B1informal

Con questo tempo, preferisco restare a casa.

In this weather, I'd rather stay home.

Pronunciation

'Preferisco' — pre-fe-RI-sco. Stress on the third syllable. '-isco' ending is first-person singular of -ire verbs.

When to use it

Use on days of extreme weather — heavy rain, very cold, or oppressive heat. Italians take weather very seriously and cancelling due to bad weather is widely accepted.

What it means

'Con questo tempo' (with this weather) sets the scene. 'Preferisco' (I prefer) followed by an infinitive is a polite way to express preference. This phrase is honest and weather-related cancellations generate understanding rather than resentment.

Variations

Fa troppo freddo per uscire.

It's too cold to go out.

Direct — Italians are sensitive to cold and this is taken seriously

Con questa pioggia non si esce.

In this rain you just don't go out.

'Non si esce' uses impersonal 'si' — implies it's an objective fact, not just your preference

Afa da morire — resto in casa.

Deadly heat — I'm staying home.

'Afa' (muggy heat) is a very Italian summer complaint, especially in the south

Mini Dialogue

— Usciamo a fare shopping? — Con questo tempo, preferisco restare a casa. Guarda che pioggia! — Anch'io in realtà... — Ordiniamo qualcosa e guardiamo una serie!

— Shall we go shopping? — In this weather, I'd rather stay home. Look at that rain! — Actually me too... — Let's order something and watch a series!

Cultural Note

Italians have a complex relationship with weather. While they love sunny outdoor life, extreme conditions (cold, heavy rain, afa) are considered legitimate reasons to cancel almost any plan. Staying in and watching TV together is an equally valid social activity.