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"Por entonces" is a phrase which is often translated as "back then", and "para entonces" is a phrase which is often translated as "by then". Learn more about the difference between "por entonces" and "para entonces" below.
por entonces(
pohr
ehn
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tohn
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sehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
b. at the time
Por entonces, estábamos enamorados, pero luego cada quien tomó un rumbo distinto.At the time, we were in love, but then we went our own separate ways.
c. at that time
Por entonces, los niños eran más libres para jugar y explorar.At that time, children were freer to play and explore.
d. in those days
No había tantos hoteles por entonces, pero ahora el turismo ha aumentado considerablemente.There weren't so many hotels in those days, but now tourism has increased considerably.
para entonces(
pah
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rah
ehn
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tohn
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sehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. by then
Me gradúo en dos años. Espero tener un trabajo para entonces.I'm graduating in two years. I hope I have a job by then.
b. by that time
Llámame después de las 9 pm. Ya estaré en casa para entonces.Call me after 9 pm. I'll be at home by that time.
