Por vs Para
The prepositions por and para are two of the most confusing words for Spanish learners because they can both translate to "for" in English. However, they have very different uses and are not interchangeable. This lesson will give you clear rules and plenty of examples to tell them apart.
Para: Purpose, Destination, and Goals
Think of para as pointing forward — toward a goal, purpose, destination, or future deadline.
1. Purpose or Goal (In Order To)
Para expresses the reason or purpose behind an action:
- Estudio para aprender. — I study (in order) to learn.
- Trabajo para ganar dinero. — I work (in order) to earn money.
- Esta crema es para las quemaduras. — This cream is for burns.
2. Destination (Heading Toward)
Para indicates where someone or something is going:
- Salgo para Madrid mañana. — I leave for Madrid tomorrow.
- Este tren va para Barcelona. — This train goes to Barcelona.
3. Deadline (By a Certain Time)
Para sets a deadline:
- La tarea es para el lunes. — The homework is for (due by) Monday.
- Necesito el informe para las cinco. — I need the report by five o'clock.
4. Recipient (For Someone)
Para indicates who something is intended for:
- Este regalo es para ti. — This gift is for you.
- Compré flores para mi madre. — I bought flowers for my mother.
5. Comparison (Considering)
Para expresses "considering" or "for" in comparisons:
- Hablas muy bien español para ser extranjero. — You speak Spanish very well for (considering you are) a foreigner.
- Para su edad, es muy alto. — For his age, he is very tall.
6. Opinion (In One's View)
Para introduces personal opinions:
- Para mí, la paella es el mejor plato. — For me (in my opinion), paella is the best dish.
- Para ellos, no es importante. — For them, it's not important.
7. Employment (Working For)
Para indicates the employer:
- Trabajo para una empresa de tecnología. — I work for a tech company.
Por: Cause, Exchange, and Movement Through
Think of por as looking backward or around — at causes, reasons, means, movement through space, and exchanges.
1. Cause or Reason (Because Of)
Por expresses the cause or motivation behind something:
- Lo hice por amor. — I did it because of love.
- Llegué tarde por el tráfico. — I arrived late because of the traffic.
- Gracias por tu ayuda. — Thanks for (because of) your help.
2. Exchange or Substitution (In Exchange For)
Por indicates an exchange:
- Pagué veinte euros por el libro. — I paid twenty euros for the book.
- Cambié mi coche viejo por uno nuevo. — I traded my old car for a new one.
- ¿Puedes trabajar por mí mañana? — Can you work for (instead of) me tomorrow?
3. Duration of Time (For a Period)
Por expresses how long something lasted:
- Viví en España por tres años. — I lived in Spain for three years.
- Estudié por dos horas. — I studied for two hours.
Note: In many contexts, por can be omitted with time durations: Viví en España tres años. Both forms are correct.
4. Movement Through or Along
Por indicates passage through a space:
- Caminé por el parque. — I walked through the park.
- El tren pasa por Toledo. — The train passes through Toledo.
- Entraron por la puerta trasera. — They entered through the back door.
5. Means or Method (By Way Of)
Por indicates the means by which something is done:
- Envié la carta por correo. — I sent the letter by mail.
- Hablamos por teléfono. — We spoke by phone.
- Lo encontré por internet. — I found it via the internet.
6. Per (Rate)
Por expresses "per":
- Gano quince euros por hora. — I earn fifteen euros per hour.
- Vamos al gimnasio tres veces por semana. — We go to the gym three times per week.
7. On Behalf Of (For the Sake Of)