Por vs Para
Understanding these two tricky Spanish prepositions
The Basic Distinction
Both por and para can mean "for" in English, but they express different relationships:
POR
Cause, Reason, Motion
- • Cause/Reason: "because of"
- • Duration: "for" (time period)
- • Exchange: "for" (in exchange)
- • Means: "by" (method)
- • Movement: "through/along/by"
- • Agent: "by" (passive voice)
- • On behalf of: "for"
- • Gratitude: "for" (thanks for)
PARA
Purpose, Destination, Goal
- • Purpose: "in order to"
- • Destination: "for" (heading to)
- • Deadline: "for/by" (due date)
- • Recipient: "for" (intended for)
- • Goal: "to" (in order to)
- • Opinion: "for" (in my opinion)
- • Comparison: "for" (unusual for)
- • Employment: "for" (work for)
Comparison Table
| Context | POR | PARA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | — | Estudio para aprender |
| Cause/Reason | Llegué tarde por el tráfico | — |
| Destination | — | Salgo para Madrid |
| Duration | Viví allí por dos años | — |
| Deadline | — | Es para mañana |
| Exchange | Lo compré por $50 | — |
Correct vs Incorrect Examples
Correct: Estudio para ser abogada.
Purpose/goal: studying IN ORDER TO become a lawyer.
Incorrect: Estudio por ser abogada.
Correct: Gracias por todo.
Always use "por" after "gracias".
Incorrect: Gracias para todo.
Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
💡 The Simple Rule
POR = Looking backward (reason, cause, "because of")
PARA = Looking forward (goal, purpose, destination)
"POR" explains why something happened. "PARA" explains what something is for.
💡 Common Fixed Expressions
Always POR: por favor, gracias por, por ejemplo, por eso, por fin
Always PARA: para siempre, para nada, estar para (be about to)
💡 Quick Tip
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Practice Quiz
Choose "por" or "para" for each sentence:
1. Trabajo ___ mi familia.
2. Viajamos ___ México.
3. Gracias ___ tu ayuda.
4. Estudio ___ ser médico.
5. Lo hago ___ amor.