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"Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by", and "paterno" is an adjective which is often translated as "paternal". Learn more about the difference between "por" and "paterno" below.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word 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.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
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. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
paterno(
pah
-
tehr
-
noh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. paternal
Mi padre me contó que me pusieron el nombre de mi bisabuela paterna, Isabel.My father told me I was named after my paternal great-grandmother, Isabel.
a. parental
Los menores de edad no pueden viajar al exterior si no cuentan con autorización paterna.Minors cannot travel overseas without parental consent.