Por Vs. Para

‘For’ In English

In the English language, the word for is used in different ways.

Examples: • This is for you. • We went to the mall for a new suit. • They vacationed in Europe for three

months.

Por and Para

• In the Spanish language, there are also different ways to translate the word for.

• Por and para often express the meaning ‘for’. – However, each word has a separate use. – They are not interchangeable ! – They sometimes express words other than ‘for’.

Uses of Por

Gratitude or apology • Gracias por su

ayuda. Thanks for your

help.

• Compró el vestido

por treinta dólares. She bought the

dress for thirty dollars.

The preposition por is used to express:

Exchange or sales

More Uses of Por “On behalf of”,

“in favor of” • Yo trabajé por ella

porque ella no pudo. I worked for her

(on her behalf) because she couldn’t.

“Because of” • No puedo ir por la

lluvia. I can’t go because

of the rain.

More Uses of Por Reason for an errand; “to go get”

• Voy a la tienda por leche. I go to the store for (to get)

milk.

•Viajó en Europa por dos meses. He traveled in Europe for two months.

Duration of time

Uses for Por Other than For Passive voice • El libro fue escrito

por Shakespeare. The book was

written by Shakespeare.

Motion (by, through, along, around)

• El pájaro voló por la ventana. The bird flew through

the window.

More Uses Besides ‘For’ Methods of

communication or travel

• Viajamos por avión. – We travel by plane.

• Vas a escuela por la

mañana. – You go to school in

the morning.

General Time

More Uses Besides For

Velocity, frequency, and proportion • Come en el restaurante dos veces por

semana. He eats in the restaurant two times per

week.

Uses for Para The preposition para is used to express: Destination • Viajamos para Francia en febrero.

We travel to France in February.

Purpose; “intended for” •Esta medicina es para su tos. This medicine is for your cough.

Uses of Para A recipient • Este regalo es para

mi madre. This gift is for my

mom.

• Necesito tu

informe para el lunes. I need your paper

by Monday.

A deadline

More Uses of Para A contrast or opinion

• Para mí, la película es muy buena. – In my opinion, the movie is very good.

• Para un nuevo director, hace un buen trabajo. – For a new principal, he does a good job.

Por or Para Before an Infinitive

Por + infinitive • An action not yet

completed • El autobús está por

salir. The bus has yet to

leave.

Para + infinitive • “In order to” • Para llegar

temprano, manejó rápidamente. – In order to arrive

early, he drove fast.

Por and Para mean separate things when they appear before an infinitive of a verb.

“¿Por qué?” or “¿Para qué?”

• Por qué is used to ask: – Why? (for what

reason)

• Para qué is used to ask: – Why? (for what

purpose)

Questions and Responses

• ¿Por qué hiciste la tarea? For what reason did you

do your homework? (Why?)

• Porque es un requisito. Because it is required.

• ¿Para qué hiciste lau tarea? – For what purpose did

you do your homework?(What’s the expected outcome?

• Para recibir buenas notas. In order to get good

grades.

Por ParaGratitude/ Apology DestinationVelocity/ Frequency Purpose Motion RecipientExchange DeadlineOn behalf of ComparisonLength of Time "In order to"Communication/ TravelReason for errandPassive VoiceGeneral TimeYet to be done

Movement

Va por el parque Va para el parque

PRACTIQUEMOS “Let’s Practice”

• Ellos caminan (por, para) el parque. • (Por, Para) mí, las rosas azules son bonitas. • Juanita va de compras (por, para) la noche. • Necesito el dinero (por, para) mañana. • Vas a la tienda (por, para) huevos. • Vas a la tienda (por, para) comprar huevos.

More Sample Sentences • Ellos viajaron (por, para) Madrid. • Vendió el coche (por, para) $5,000. • Nadamos (por, para) dos horas. • Viajaban (por, para) tren. • Compré un collar (por, para) mi mamá.

Translations • They went to the mall three times per week. • I bought the watch for her because she couldn’t go

to the store. • He walks in the morning. • I couldn’t eat the food because of my allergies.

(alergias) • This money is for my new car.

¡Ahora saben usar Por y Para!