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"Para" is a form of "para", a preposition which is often translated as "for". "Esforzarse por" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to make an effort to". Learn more about the difference between "esforzarse por" and "para" below.
esforzarse por(
ehs
-
fohr
-
sahr
-
seh
pohr
)A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
1. (general)
a. to make an effort to
Se esforzó por aparentar tranquilidad, pero se notaba que estaba muy nervioso.He made an effort to appear calm, but you could tell he was very nervous.
b. to try hard to
Mis amigos se esforzaron mucho por que mi estancia en la ciudad fuera agradable, y lo consiguieron.My friends tried really hard to make my stay in the city a pleasant one, and they succeeded.
c. to strive to
Marta se esfuerza por hacer su trabajo lo mejor posible. Es una perfeccionista.Marta strives to do her job as well as possible. She's a perfectionist.
para(
pah
-
rah
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. for
Lo hice para ti.I did it for you.
Estas vitaminas son para niños.These vitamins are for children.
b. in order to (used before an infinitive)
Para ser salvavidas, tienes que saber nadar muy bien.In order to be a lifeguard, you have to know how to swim really well.
c. to (used before base form)
Le pedí dinero a mi abuela para aprender a cantar.I asked my grandma for money to learn to sing.
