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.

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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: