Explanation
Learning the differences between por and para
is often quite challenging, and with good reason. In Spanish,
both por and para take on the responsibilities of not only for, but
also by, on, through, because of, in exchange for, in order to, and several
other prepositions and phrases. Por suerte
(luckily), we've got a whole series on this tricky pair, so get ready to master
the differences between por and para!
Por
Por is used to talk about movement, modes and means of travel and communication,
exchanges, duration, and motivation, among other things. Let's take a closer look at
some examples of these common uses of por.
1. Travel and Communication
Por can be used to talk about the way you travel or communicate. This can refer to
mode of travel (car, train, etc.) or communication (email, phone, etc.) or even the route
you take.
EXAMPLES
La contacté por correo.
I contacted her by mail.
Viajé por Francia y España.
I traveled through France and Spain.
¿Quieres pasar por el parque?
Do you want to go through the park?
2. Exchanges
Por is used to talk about exchanges and trades.
EXAMPLES
Te cambio mi manzana por tu sandwich.
I'll trade you my apple for your sandwich.
Te doy sesenta pesos por la mochila.
I'll give you sixty pesos for that backpack.
3. Duration
Por is used to talk about the length of time an activity went on for.
EXAMPLES
Tengo que trabajar por ocho horas hoy.
I need to work for eight hours today.
¿Dormiste por 12 horas? ¡Qué vida la tuya!
You slept for 12 hours? Lucky dog!
4. Motivation
Por is used to talk about motivations or reasons for doing something.
EXAMPLES
Por su amor a los niños, quiere ser pediatra.
Because of her love for children, she wants to be a pediatrician.
Trabajo por ti, porque te quiero cuidar.
I work for you, because I want to take care of you.
Quiz yourself with our vocab list on "por" expressions!
Para
Para is used to talk about destinations, recipients, deadlines, and goals. Check out the
following examples of these common uses of para.
1. Destinations
Para is used to talk about physical destinations, especially the endpoint of a trip.
EXAMPLES
Salgo para Chile mañana.
I leave for Chile tomorrow.
¿Para dónde vas con tanta prisa?
Where are you going in such a hurry?
2. Recipients
Para is used to indicate the intended recipient of something, such as a gift.
EXAMPLES
Este regalo es para Adela.
This gift is for Adela.
No, Bruno. Estos chocolates no son para los perros.
No, Bruno. These chocolates aren't for dogs.
3. Deadlines
Para is used to talk about deadlines, including dates and times.
EXAMPLES
Necesito la presentación para el viernes.
I need the presentation by Friday.
Tengo que terminar esto para las ocho.
I need to finish this by eight o'clock.
4. Goals
Para is used to talk about goals and purposes. It's especially common to see para used
with an infinitive to talk about why something is done.
EXAMPLES
Trabaja mucho para ganar más dinero.
He works a lot in order to earn more money.
Corro para mantenerme en forma.
I run to stay in shape.
There are also many expressions that are used with por and para. Some very common
examples are shown in the table below.
POR PHRASE ENGLISH TRANSLATION PARA PHRASE ENGLISH TRANSLATION
por ejemplo for example para siempre forever
por favor please para variar just for a change
por supuesto of course para que so that/in order that
por ciento percent para qué for what reason
por qué why para dónde where to
por fin finally para ti for you
