Dar un paseo por...
What would be the meaning of “por” in these sentences? Would it mean “by” or “through” or “on” maybe? I didn’t think “por” could mean on, but in my first sentence it seems like it would be the equivalent of “on.”
Quiero dar un paseo por la playa ? = I want to take a walk on the beach? Or I want to take a walk by the beach. ?
Quiero dar un paseo por la calle. = I want to take a walk on the street. ?
Quiero dar un paseo por la ciudad. = I want to take a walk through the city. ?
2 Answers
In this context "por"can mean on, along, or through. You can't really say "por always means xxx". You have to go with the intention of the sentence and translate the meaning, not just the words. I think your translations are pretty close.
I would say:
Quiero dar un paseo por la playa - I want to walk on (along) the beach.
Quiero dar un paseo por la calle - I want to walk down (on, along) the street.
Quiero dar un paseo por la ciudad - I want to walk around (through) the city.
"dar un pasea" means to take a walk (which you already knew--sorry). So, "por" probably would be best translated as "through" in this context.
As it seems that you may already know, "por" can be translated into several English words, depending on its usage.
