Forever, Para or Por Siempre?

Question

Hi guys.

The reference section says 'para siempre' means forever.

I was just listening to a Spanish song and it goes like 'para amarte por siempre', the translation says "to love you forever"

So 'para or por siempre or both are right but have different uses?

Thanks

Answer 1

This forum has an answer saying this.

"Por siempre" is more literary (formal, poetic, written, etc.), thus it is used for describing more eternal and historical things, as well as things that are already done (i.e. eras that are already done, such as the forever extinction of dinosaurs). Also, it is used to indicate from any moment (i.e. then, now, at that moment, etc.) in advance.

"Para siempre" is more colloquial (speech, common, slang, etc.), thus it is used for describing more current and everyday things and things that are not already done (i.e. events that are not already done, such as forever partying). Also, it is used to indicate from this moment (i.e. now, at this moment, etc.) in advance.

Good response Sonrisa :) - FELIZ77, Jul 9, 2011

Gracias, mi amigo - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 9, 2011

De nada :) - FELIZ77, Jul 9, 2011

Answer 2

I would use ''para siempre'' always,(lol) in everyday conversation

Infact, to be honest, I have never ever seen or heard ''por siempre'' used so it was interesting to read in Sonrisa's post that it is used poetically in literary works

I hope this helps