Por/Para

For, because of, in order to, by, instead of, through...

If you’re starting to learn Spanish, chances are you’ve come across the words por and para. These two prepositions often confuse learners because they  both can translate to "for" in English. However, they’re used in different situations, and have diverse translations.  Understanding when to use each one is key to improving your Spanish skills.

Por:

Think of por as describing the cause, reason, or method behind something.

Here are some common uses:

1. Cause or Reason

Used to explain why something happens or the reason behind an action.

Lo hago por ti. (I’m doing it because of you.)

2. Means of Communication or Transportation

Used to describe how something is done or how someone travels.

Hablamos por teléfono. (We talk by phone.)

3. Exchange or Substitution

Used to talk about trading or replacing something.

Te doy cinco euros por el libro. (I’ll give you five euros for the book.)

4. Duration of Time

   Used to indicate how long something lasts.

   Estudié por dos horas. (I studied for two hours.)

   
   

    5.  Doer

        Used to say who did an action when using the passive voice.

Estudié por dos horas. (I studied for two hours.)

Para:

On the other hand, para is more about the purpose, goal, or destination.

Here are its main uses:

1. Purpose or Goal

Used to indicate the reason for doing something or the intended outcome.

Estudio para aprender español. (I study to learn Spanish.)

2. Destination

Used to show who will receive something.

Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you.)

3. Destination

   Used to describe where something is headed.

   Salimos para Madrid. (We’re leaving for Madrid.)

4. Deadline

Used to refer to a specific time in the future.

La tarea es para mañana. (The homework is for tomorrow.)

Tips & Tricks

POR Acronym:

ATTRACTED

A: Around a place - Caminamos por el parque.

T: Through a place - Pasamos por el túnel.

T: Transportation/communication - Hablamos por correo.

R: Reason - Lo hice por amor.

A: After, going to get something - Voy por pan.

C: Cost - Pagué cinco dólares por el libro.

T: Thanks - Gracias por tu ayuda.

E: Exchange - Te cambio este por ese.

D: Duration - Estuve por dos horas.

PARA Acronym:

PERFECT

P: Purpose - Es un vaso para agua.

E: Effect - Estudio para ser doctor.

R: Recipient - Este regalo es para ti.

F: Future dates/deadlines - Es para mañana.

E: Employment - Trabajo para una empresa.

C: Comparison - Para un niño, es muy alto.

T: Toward a place - Vamos para la playa.

REMEMBER:

1. Think of the Direction of the Action.

   Use por if you’re focusing on the "how" or "why" (the motivation,cause or means).

   Use para if you’re focusing on the "end goal" or "destination" (the result).

2. Practice with Context

   Create sentences using both por and para to contrast their meanings. For example:

   Corro por el parque cada mañana. (I run through the park every morning.)

   Corro para mantenerme en forma. (I run to stay in shape.)

3. Listen and Repeat

   Pay attention to how native speakers use por and para in conversations, music, or movies. 

   Practice repeating these phrases to internalize their usage.

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Do you want to practice the use of por and para with an expert tutor? Join our Por/Para Master Class and take your Spanish skills to the next level! This comprehensive package includes:

• In-depth lessons to master the key differences between POR and PARA

• Engaging worksheets to reinforce your understanding

• Handy cheat sheets for quick reference

• Answer keys to track your progress

• Live conversation practice with a native Spanish speaker

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your fluency, this class is designed to build your confidence and accuracy in everyday communication."

Por/Para Master Class