Por o Para
I was wondering if I was using the right word in this sentence. "Estás pagando por la cena" I couldn't decide if it was por or para. I went with por because I know your supposed to use it with money and exchanges but when I put it in the translator it said "Estás pagando para la cena" Somebody please clarify.
2 Answers
Neither. We say, ¿Vas a pagar la cena? We don't buy when we mean treat someone out for something. We normally say Invitar. ¿Me invitas a cenar? ¿Me invitas la cena?
Great question. That has confused me too, so I looked up for in SD, and got this:
I'd love to see more detail from someone who can better explain, as I get for is specifically used for (Reason).
Por: 1. por (reason) they chose him for his looks -> lo eligieron por su aspecto she couldn't sleep for the pain -> no pudo dormir a causa del dolor
Para: 2. para (purpose, destination) to leave for France -> salir hacia or para Francia there's no time for that -> no hay tiempo para eso it's for you -> es para ti what's it for? -> ¿para qué es? can you give me something for the pain? -> ¿me puede dar algo para el dolor? 3. (in exchange for) I bought it for £10 -> lo compré por 10 libras you get a lot for your money -> el dinero te da mucho de sí 4. para (with regard to) he is big for his age -> es grande para su edad as for him/that,… -> en cuanto a él/eso,… they sell ten red bikes for every black one -> se venden diez bicicletas de color rojo por cada una de color negro 5. (representing) A for Andrew -> A de Andrés what's the Russian for “book”? -> ¿cómo se dice “libro” en ruso?
