What exactly are the differences between "por" and "para"?
Google search:
por spanish
Copied:
How does one say "for" in Spanish?
Simple question, huh?
Not really. In fact, understanding the answer to that seemingly simple question is one of the more difficult problems facing many Spanish students.
The problem is that two Spanish prepositions, por and para, frequently are used for the English word "for." (Actually, there are number of other words that also can fit the bill, but we won't concern ourselves with them now because they don't seem to be the cause of so much confusion.) The differences between them sometimes are subtle.
If it's any consolation, prepositions can be as difficult for people learning English. Why do we sometimes say something is under control, and sometimes say something is in control? Why are we in the house but at home? The rules sometimes escape logic.
In Spanish, The key to understanding which preposition to use is to think of the meaning you want to convey. If I use a phrase such as "three for a dollar" in English, the "for" has a different meaning than it does in "this book is for you." In the first case, "for" indicates an exchange or a rate, while in the second case it indicates an intention or direction. Thus the Spanish translation of the two phrases are different, "tres por un dólar" and "este libro es para ti."
The following chart shows some of the major uses of these two prepositions.
Uses for por:
Expressing movement along, through, around, by or about: Anduve por las calles de la ciudad. I walked through the streets of the city.
Denoting a time or duration when something occurs. Viajamos por tres semanas. We're traveling for three weeks.
Expressing the cause not the purpose) of an action: Me caí por la nieve. I fell down because of the snow.
Meaning per: Dos por ciento.Two percent.
Meaning supporting or in favor of: Trabajamos por derechos humanos. We work for human rights.
Introducing the agent of an action after a passive verb: Fue escrito por Bob Woodward. It was written by Bob Woodward.
Indicating means of transportation: Viajaré por avión. I will travel by plane.
Used in numerous expressions: Por ejemplo. For example. Por favor. Please.
Uses for para:
Meaning for the purpose of or in order to: Para bailar la bamba, necesita una poca de gracia. In order to dance the bamba you need a little grace.
With a noun or pronoun as object, meaning for the benefit of or directed to: Es para usted. It's for you.
Meaning to or in the direction of when referring to a specific place: Voy para Europa. I'm heading to Europe.
Meaning by or for when referring to a specific time: Necesito el regalo para mañana. I need the gift for tomorrow. Vamos a la casa de mi madre para el fin de semana. We're going to my mother's for the weekend.
Another "cue" to tell the difference. If you can substitute "a" it is "para" and if you can substitute "porque (because)" it is por.
Sra
The words "por" and "para" are prepositions in Spanish, and they can both be translated as "for" in English. However, they have different uses and meanings.
To understand the differences between "por" and "para," it's essential to learn the rules and contexts in which they are used. Here are some general guidelines:
1. "Por" is commonly used to indicate the cause, motive, or reason for an action. It also expresses the means by which something is done. Examples:
- Me gusta caminar por el parque. (I like to walk through/by the park.)
- Compré un regalo por su cumpleaños. (I bought a gift for his/her birthday.)
- Viajamos por avión. (We travel by plane.)
2. "Por" is used to indicate the duration of an action or the specific time when something happens. Examples:
- Estudié por tres horas. (I studied for three hours.)
- Salgo de la oficina por la tarde. (I leave the office in the afternoon.)
3. "Por" is used to show movement or exchange:
- Vamos por el camino más corto. (We're going by the shortest route.)
- Cambié mi libro por el tuyo. (I exchanged my book for yours.)
4. "Para" is often used to indicate purpose, destination, or intention. Examples:
- Estudio mucho para aprender. (I study a lot in order to learn.)
- El regalo es para ti. (The gift is for you.)
- Salgo para Madrid. (I'm leaving for Madrid.)
5. "Para" can express a specific deadline or a time in the future. Examples:
- Necesito el informe para el viernes. (I need the report by Friday.)
- Tendré el dinero para la próxima semana. (I'll have the money by next week.)
These are just a few examples of how "por" and "para" are used differently in Spanish. To fully understand their usage, I recommend studying their usage in various contexts, practicing with different examples, and consulting a reliable grammar source.