In Spanish, the words “por” and “para” both mean “for,” but they are used differently. Knowing how to use “por” and “para” correctly is important for speaking Spanish clearly.
- PARA is used to show purpose, goals, deadlines, or destinations. It answers questions like “for what purpose?” or “for whom?”
- With PARA someone is always going to receive something.
Think of it as an arrow ➔ Use PARAwhen you are going to say FOR …90% of the time (not POR)
✅ Use “PARA” when talking about:
1. Purpose / Goal
- Estudia para ser médico. (He studies in order to become a doctor.)
2. Recipient / Intended Person
- Este regalo es para su Mama. This gift is for his mom. (The recipient is his Mom).
3. Deadline / Future Date
- La tarea es para mañana. The homework is for tomorrow. (The end result is a deadline).
4. Destination
- Salimos para Madrid. We’re leaving for Madrid (The end result is a destination).
5. Comparison or Opinion
- Para un niño, lee muy bien. (For a child, he reads very well).
- POR is used when there’s No specific destination.
There’s no receiving when using POR …Example: hoy no salimos por la lluvia.
- UsePOR when using words like “through,” “around,” or “by”
- Think of POR as a wigglymovement
For example, “Cada mañana andamos por el parque.”
- Any kind of financial interaction should use “por”….use the symbol ✖
Examples: I bought the watch for 5 pesos ….”Compré el reloj por cinco pesos”
3 times 3 is 9…”3 por 3 es nueve”
2 for 1 dea.l…say2 por 1
✅ Think is “POR” when talking about:
1. Cause or Reason (because of)
- Gracias por la ayuda. (Thanks for the help.)
2. Duration of Time
- Viví en México por dos años. (I lived in Mexico for two years.)
3. Exchange or Substitution
- Te doy cinco dólares por el libro. (I’ll give you five dollars for the book.)
4. Movement Through Space
- Caminamos por el parque.(We walked through the park.)
5. Means of Communication or Transportation
- Te llamé por teléfono. (I called you by phone.)
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