Por vs. Para

Mastering Spanish Prepositions: “Por” vs. “Para”

Mar 14, 2025

Learning Objectives

When learning Spanish, one of the trickiest challenges is understanding when to use “por” and when to use “para.” Both prepositions translate to “for” in English, but their meanings and usage contexts are different. Let’s dive in and clear up this common confusion.

Por

“Por” is generally used to express:

1. Cause or Reason (because of)

Cause or Reason
SpanishEnglishInformation
Estudio español por mi trabajo. I study Spanish for my job.

2. Duration of Time (for, during)

Duration of Time
SpanishEnglishInformation
Viví en México por dos años.I lived in Mexico for two years.

3. Exchange or substitution (in exchange for)

Exchange or substitution
SpanishEnglishInformation
Te doy diez euros por el libro.I'll give you ten euros for the book.

4. Movement through or around (through, along, around)

Movement through or around
SpanishEnglishInformation
Caminamos por el parque.We walked through the park.

5. Means of communication or transportation (by, via)

Means of communication or transportation
SpanishEnglishInformation
Hablamos por teléfono.We spoke on the phone.
Viajamos por tren.We travel by train.

6. Expressions

Expressions
SpanishEnglishInformation
por ejemplofor example
por supuestoof course
por favorplease

Para

“Para,” on the other hand, usually expresses:

1. Purpose or Goal (in order to)

Purpose or Goal
SpanishEnglishInformation
Estudio para aprender.Study to learn.

2. Recipient (for someone)

Recipient
SpanishEnglishInformation
Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.

3. Deadline (by a specific time)

Deadline
SpanishEnglishInformation
La tarea es para mañana.The task is for tomorrow.

4. Destination (toward)

Destination
SpanishEnglishInformation
Vamos para Madrid.We are on our way to Madrid.

5. Opinion or Comparison

Opinion or Comparison
SpanishEnglishInformation
Para mí, el español es fácil.For me, Spanish is easy.
Para su edad, corre rápido.For his age, he runs fast.

Comparison

**Por****Para**
Reason or causePurpose or goal
DurationDeadline
ExchangeRecipient
Through, along, aroundDestination
Means of communication/transportOpinion or Comparison

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1.
Graciasayudarme.
2.
Estepastelesmimamá.
3.
EstaréenArgentinatressemanas.
4.
Vamoslaplaya.
5.
Trabajomuchoganardinero.

Exercise 2: True or False

Decide if the preposition used in each sentence is correct (true) or incorrect (false):

Necesito terminar esto para mañana.

Te cambio mi camiseta para tu gorra.

El tren pasa por Barcelona.

Compré flores por mi novia.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the best answer among the four options:

1. Caminé ___ el bosque para relajarme.

2. Estudio español ___ viajar a España.

3. Lo hice ___ amor.

4. La tarea es ___ el viernes.

Tips

  • Use por if you’re looking backward at reasons, causes, or exchanges.
  • Use para if you’re looking forward toward goals, deadlines, or purposes.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of por and para takes practice, but with consistent study and repetition, it quickly becomes second nature. Review this article frequently and practice with sentences you create yourself. Soon, using por and para correctly will feel completely natural.

¡Buena suerte!