"por" and "para"
When do you use "por" and "para"? Is there a quick way to remember which is used when or must one have to memorize all the rule for each?
11 Answers
Hi.. Im Panamanian my native language is Spanish. Is very simple.
Por = By Para = For
Examples: Yo vivo PARA ti = I live FOR you Escrito POR: = Written BY
Is only a example but I hope that this can help you.
Best Regards,
WElcome to the forum
WE have the issue covered on the reference, have a look and make a search, you will find a lot of threads.
Hello, and welcome to the forum. There is a great video lesson on the subject here. It provides both specific rules and a general guideline. I would go into it, but I think the video explains it a lot better than I could. I hope this helps.
another helpful link is at studyspanish
Por" and "para" have a variety of meanings, and they are often confused because they can each be translated as "for."
Gracias por la información. Thanks for the information.
Este regalo es para Juan. This gift is for Juan.
To learn to use "por" and "para" correctly, you need to do two things:
1.Learn the rules for how por and para are used. 2.Memorize model sentences.
"Por" has many uses, and so it is the more problematic of the two.
Rule: to express gratitude or apology Model: Gracias por la ayuda. (Thanks for the help.)
Rule: for multiplication and division Model: Dos por dos son cuatro. (Two times two equals four.)
Rule: for velocity, frequency and proportion Model: Voy al restaurante cinco veces por semana. (I go to the restaurant five times per week.)
Rule: meaning "through," "along," "by" or "in the area of" Model: Andamos por el parque. (We walk through the park.)
Rule: when talking about exchange, including sales Model: Él me dio diez dólares por el libro. (He gave me ten dollars for the book.)
Rule: to mean "on behalf of," or "in favor of," Model: No voté por nadie. (I didn't vote for anyone.)
Rule: to express a length of time Model: Yo estudié por dos horas. (I studied for two hours.)
Rule: to express an undetermined, or general time, meaning "during" Model: Se puede ver las estrellas por la noche. (One can see the stars during the night.)
Rule: for means of communication or transportation Model: Prefiero viajar por tren y hablar por teléfono. (I prefer to travel by train and speak by phone.)
Rule: in cases of mistaken identity, or meaning "to be seen as" Model: Me tienen por loco. (They take me for crazy.)
Rule: to show the reason for an errand (with ir, venir, pasar, mandar, volver, and preguntar) Model: Paso por ti a las ocho. (I'll come by for you at eight o'clock.)
Rule: when followed by an infinitive, to express an action that remains to be completed, use por + infinitive Model: La cena está por cocinar. (Dinner has yet to be cooked.)
Rule: to express cause or reason Model: El hombre murió por falta de agua. The man died for lack of water.
Rule: "estar por" means to be in the mood, or inclined to do something Model: Estoy por tomar café. (I'm in the mood for drinking coffee.)
Rule: in passive constructions Model: El libro fue escrito por Octavio Paz. (The book was written by Octavio Paz.)
"Para" -- in contrast, has relatively fewer uses.
Rule: to indicate destination Model: El hombre salió para Madrid. (The man left for Madrid.)
Rule: to show the use or purpose of a thing Model: El vaso es para agua. (The glass is for water.)
Rule: to mean "in order to" or "for the purpose of" Model: Para hacer una paella, primero dore las carnes. To make a paella, first sauté the meats.
Rule: to indicate a recipient Model: Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you.)
Rule: to express a deadline or specific time Model: Necesito el vestido para el lunes. (I need the dress by Monday.)
Rule: to express a contrast from what is expected Model: Para un niño lee muy bien. (For a child, he reads very well.)
Rule: "estar para" to express an action that will soon be completed Model: El tren está para salir. (The train is about to leave.)
It is quite important to learn to use these two prepositions correctly, because if you inadvertently substitute one for the other, you might end up saying something altogether different from what you had intended. Study the two examples:
Juan compró el regalo para María. Juan bought the gift for Maria. (he bought it to give to her)
Juan compró el regalo por María. Juan bought the gift for Maria. (he bought it because she could not)
"Por" and "para" can also be used in questions. "¿Por qué?" means "Why?" (for what reason) while "¿Para qué?" means "Why?" (for what purpose).
Practically speaking, do your best to think of "por" as "by" and you'll mostly get along fine. Most English speakers, including me, have or had this problem so you are not alone.
I think the list that this site provides in the video is really helpful. I agree with MacFadden to watch the video!
when do I use por and para
And through or along, Estoy caminando por el parque. I am walking through the park. El ladron entró por la ventana. The thief came in through the window.
A way I remember it is -
Por = for
Para = in order to
This is only in general and there are many exceptions
Here's a PowerPoint presentation that might help.
