Would rather means would prefer to.

The infinitive
without to is used after would rather.
EXAMPLE:
I would rather go in July.

Would you rather meet on Monday or Tuesday?

I would rather not lend him any money.

Note also the structure would rather (do something)

than (do something else).
EXAMPLE:
I would rather take a taxi to the station than go by bus.
We can also use would rather + a past tense to say that one person would prefer
some else to do something.

EXAMPLE:
I would rather you did not open the window. I am cold.
I would rather you stayed here.
I would rather John did not borrow my car.

We use the past here: you did not open, you stayed, John did no borrow, but the
meaning is present or future, not past.