Por vs Para

Spanish: Por vs Para

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: prepositions

Explanation

The prepositions "por" and "para" are one of the biggest challenges for Spanish learners, because in English both are usually translated as "for". However, they have very different uses. The general idea is that "para" indicates a destination, goal or purpose (where something is heading), while "por" indicates a cause, reason or means (why or through what something happens). We use "para" to express the purpose or goal of an action ("Estudio para aprender" - I study in order to learn), the recipient of something ("Este regalo es para ti" - This gift is for you), a destination or direction ("Salgo para Madrid" - I leave for Madrid), a deadline ("Lo necesito para el lunes" - I need it by Monday) and an opinion ("Para mí, esto es importante" - For me, this is important). We use "por" to express cause or motive ("Lo hago por amor" - I do it out of love), means or manner ("Hablamos por teléfono" - We talk on the phone), exchange or price ("Pagué diez euros por el libro" - I paid ten euros for the book), movement through a place ("Camino por el parque" - I walk through the park) and periods or parts of the day ("Trabajo por la mañana" - I work in the morning). A good way to remember the difference is to think that "para" looks toward the future or final destination, while "por" looks backward, toward the cause or the path traveled. With practice, these distinctions become natural.

Examples

• Este café con leche es para usted, señor. - This coffee with milk is for you, sir.
• Gracias por la propina, vuelva pronto. - Thank you for the tip, come back soon.
• Necesito la habitación lista para las tres de la tarde. - I need the room ready by three in the afternoon.
• Llamé a recepción por teléfono para pedir más toallas. - I called reception by phone to ask for more towels.
• Pagué cinco euros por un kilo de naranjas. - I paid five euros for a kilo of oranges.