vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Cualquier cosa" is a phrase which is often translated as "anything", and "por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by". Learn more about the difference between "cualquier cosa" and "por" below.
cualquier cosa(
kwahl
-
kyehr
 
koh
-
sah
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. anything
Cualquier cosa que diga podrá ser utilizada en su contra en un tribunal de justicia.Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law.
a. the slightest thing
Nieves tiende a alterarse por cualquier cosa.Nieves tends to get all worked up about the slightest thing.
a. any old
Este aceite de oliva no es cualquier cosa. Su pureza es altísima.This isn't just any old olive oil. Its purity is very high.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
por(
pohr
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. by
Pásate por mi casa si quieres.Come by my house if you want.
a. because of
Se retiró por problemas personales.She resigned because of personal issues.
a. for
Estaré en Madrid por Navidad.I will be in Madrid for Christmas.
a. by
Puedes seguir tu paquete por correo electrónico.You can track your parcel by e-mail.
a. through
El hilo pasa por la aguja.The thread passes through the needle.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
a. times
Tres por tres son nueve.Three times three is nine.
a. per
Mi tarifa es 50 dólares por artículo.My rate is 50 dollars per article.
a. for
Te doy quince pesos por la cobija.I'll give you fifteen pesos for the blanket.
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
b. about to
Mi papá está por llegar.My dad's about to arrive.
a. by
¿Ese cuadro fue pintado por Elena o Rosa?Was that painting done by Elena or Rosa?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.