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"Para" is a form of "para", a preposition which is often translated as "for". "Pensar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to think". Learn more about the difference between "para" and "pensar" below.
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.).
preposition
a. for
Lo hice para ti.I did it for you.
Estas vitaminas son para niños.These vitamins are for children.
a. for (used before a gerund)
Lo quiero para cocinar la pasta.I want it for cooking the pasta.
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.
a. for
Salimos mañana para Londres.We are leaving for London tomorrow.
b. to
¿Para dónde se dirige ese tren?Where is that train going to?
a. for
Tengo que encontrar un compañero de apartamento para el mes que viene.I need to find a roommate for next month.
b. by
Tenemos que entregar el trabajo para fin de mes.We have to hand the work in by the end of the month.
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pensar(
pehn
-
sahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to think
No lo pienses más. ¡Actúa!Don't think too much. Just do it!
a. to think
Pienso que ya debería estar en casa.I think he should be home by now.
a. to plan
Estaba pensando estudiar mañana.I was planning to study tomorrow.
b. to mean
Pensé escribirte ayer, pero luego Vanna vino a la casa y se me olvidó.I meant to write you yesterday, but then Vanna came over and I forgot.
c. to intend
Nunca pensé herirte, Felipe. Lo siento.I never intended to hurt you, Felipe. I'm sorry.
pensarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to think of oneself as
Ella se piensa la hija preferida de la familia.She thinks of herself as the family's favorite child.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to think
¿Vas a aceptar la oferta? - No sé; tendré que pensármelo.Are you going to accept the offer? - I don't know; I'll have to think about it.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Le dije que sí sin pensármelo dos veces.I agreed without giving it a second thought.
Tendrás que pensártelo, ¿no? No tienes porque decidirte ya.You'll have to think it over, won't you? You don't have to decide yet.
a. to think
Jaime se piensa que lo sabe todo.Jaime thinks he knows it all.
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