The prepositions por and para often cause confusion among Spanish learners. In this grammar point, you will learn when and how to use each.
Native
Translation
Por tu cumpleaños te regalo estas flores para que veas cuánto te quiero.
For your birthday I give you these flowers so you can see how much I love you.
When to Use Por or Para?
The difference between these two prepositions depends on the speaker's intention.
Por
Rule 1. Por is used to indicate cause, reason, or motive.
Native
Translation
Por el frío no podemos salir.
We can't go out because of the cold.
Rule 2. It is also used to indicate duration or period of time.
Native
Translation
He trabajado en esta empresa por tres años.
I have worked in this company for three years.
Rule 3. It is used when there is an exchange.
Native
Translation
Maurio compró el celular por 2,000 pesos. ¡Qué buena oferta!
Maurio bought the cell phone for 2,000 pesos, what a great deal!
Rule 4. It is used to talk about general movement through space.
Native
Translation
Ayer pasé por tu casa.
I drove by your house yesterday.
Rule 5. Finally, por is used to talk about the times of day.
Native
Translation
Siempre medito por la mañana.
I always meditate in the morning.
Para
Rule 1. Para is used to talk about a goal or purpose.
Native
Translation
Voy a estudiar español para viajar a Latino América.
I am going to study Spanish to travel to Latin America.
Rule 2. It is used to indicate the recipient of something.
Native
Translation
Estas flores son para mi mamá.
These flowers are for my mom.
Rule 3. It is used to talk about a destination.
Native
Translation
Me voy para Colombia este fin de semana.
I am leaving for Colombia this weekend.
Rule 4. It is used with deadlines.
Native
Translation
La tarea es para el viernes.
The assignment is due on Friday.
Rule 5. Finally, para is used when expressing an opinion.
Native
Translation
Para mí, la puntualidad es muy importante.
For me, punctuality is very important.
Expressions that Use Por or Para
Rule 6. Some expressions require por or para, and it is convenient to learn them in chunks.
Por
| Expression | Translation |
|---|---|
| por ejemplo | for example |
| por cierto | by the way |
| por favor | please |
| por eso | that is why |
| por suerte | luckily |
| por fin | finally |
| por supuesto | of course |
| por lo menos\t | at least\t |
Para
| Expression | Translation |
|---|---|
| para nada | not at all |
| para siempre | forever |
Quiz
1/4
Compré este juguete __________ mi sobrino Ángel.
0
correct answers.