Difference between a and para.

Question

A and Para both mean- to. In what context will they be used.

Answer 1

An example where they mean the same thing:

Mañana voy a Panajachel. (I'm going to Panajachel tomorrow).

Mañana voy para Panajachel. (I'm going to Panajachel tomorrow).

Answer 2

Here are some nice explanations of the two, here for 'a' and here for 'para'

Thanks - charizmaroxz, Feb 16, 2013

Answer 3

Yes, "to" is usually included in the definition of "para" but para "for" is a better definition as in for the purpose of or for the recipient. There are more examples of the use of para. They tend to be the result or end point as opposed to "por" which also means "for", Por is used with route or mode of travel, duration and other actions. This probably is an over simplification but I think you can get the gist.

Answer 4

Nice discussion. Thanks Mariana for explaining both words clearly.

Answer 5

I found the SD grammar section on prepositions helpful. The Basic Preposition section was especially good for "A" and there are also 3 sections for Para which are good.

Hope this helps