{"id":5234,"date":"2019-03-27T10:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T18:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/?p=5234"},"modified":"2025-12-29T21:00:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T05:00:46","slug":"por-and-para","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/por-and-para\/","title":{"rendered":"Por vs Para: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Por<\/em> and para<\/em> both translate into English as \u2018for,\u2019 but they can\u2019t be used interchangeably! In this article we\u2019ll show you when to opt for por<\/em> and when to pick para<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The way some people like to look at it is that por<\/em> is used for looking back to the cause or origin of something, and para<\/em> is used for forward-looking things (like purpose or destination). But this is a massive generalization, and we want you to understand the difference in more detail.<\/p>\n

When to use <\/strong>para<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Para <\/em>is often used in the sense of looking forward towards a goal\/deadline\/effect. Let\u2019s look at para<\/em> first, as it has fewer complicated uses than por<\/em>! <\/em><\/p>\n

BONUS: Sometimes, in more colloquial speech, you\u2019re likely to hear para<\/em> shortened to pa<\/em>. Listen out for it in Spanish movies and songs!<\/p>\n

Final goal\/destination\/purpose\/object<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the main uses of para<\/em> is to talk about the final goal or purpose of something.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n

\u2014\u00bfPara qu\u00e9 es esto?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2014Es para limpiar los platos.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/td>\n

<\/p>\n

What is this for?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s for washing dishes.<\/p>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Una mesa para tres, por favor.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

A table for 3 (people), please.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Come verduras para mantenerse sano.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

He eats vegetables to stay healthy.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Compr\u00e9 algo para ti.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I bought something for you.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Advantage or disadvantage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When something is good\/bad for someone\/something.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Beber demasiado alcohol es malo para la salud.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Drinking too much alcohol is bad for the health.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Eres muy importante para m\u00ed.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

You are very important to\/for me.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Deadline<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We use para<\/em> to express that something needs to be done by a certain time.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Los deberes son para el martes.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The homework is for (to be handed in by) Tuesday.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Necesito un vestido para ma\u00f1ana.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I need a dress for\/by tomorrow.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Direction after motion verbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We can use para<\/em> to say where we\u2019re headed.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Este autob\u00fas va para las monta\u00f1as.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

This bus is for the mountains.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Voy para casa.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I\u2019m going\/heading home.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Reaction\/response<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Use para<\/em> to say that a certain reaction or feeling is being had by a specific person.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Para m\u00ed, huele a fresa.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

To me, it smells of strawberry.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Para Pedro, Diana es perfecto.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

In Pedro\u2019s eyes, Diana is perfect.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When we want to say \u2018for\u2019 in the sense of \u2018considering\u2019 or \u2018given,\u2019 we use para<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Sof\u00eda lee bien para su edad.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Sof\u00eda reads well for her age.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Para <\/strong><\/em>+ <\/strong>infinitive<\/strong><\/em> = in order to<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We can use para<\/em> with an infinitive, to mean \u2018in order to.\u2019<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Me lo compr\u00e9 para llevar a la fiesta.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I bought it to wear to the party.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Marcos estudia para aprobar los ex\u00e1menes.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Marcos studies (in order) to pass his exams.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Estar para <\/strong><\/em>+ <\/strong>infinitive <\/strong><\/em>= about to<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Estar para<\/em> means to be about to do\/on the verge of doing something.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Est\u00e1n para salir.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

They\u2019re about to go out.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When to use <\/strong>por<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

As we\u2019ve mentioned, por<\/em> is often used when talking about the root or cause of something, but not always. It\u2019s used in various ways, as we\u2019ve shown below. Some of the categories are very similar, and may overlap, but looking at a variety of situations will help you get the picture!<\/p>\n

BONUS: After looking at these examples, the phrase \u00bfpor qu\u00e9? <\/em>should now make sense, as it literally means \u2018for what?\u2019<\/p>\n

Cause<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The first use we\u2019ll look at is cause. When something is the cause of something else, we can use por<\/em> to mean \u2018because of.\u2019<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Vengo a Barcelona por su arquitectura.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I come to Barcelona for\/because of its architecture.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Las flores murieron por falta de sol.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The flowers died for\/due to lack of sunlight.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This can include emotional states. Let\u2019s say you\u2019re feeling sad because you\u2019ve just done an exam and you feel it hasn\u2019t gone very well. <\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u2014\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 est\u00e1s triste?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Why are you sad?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\u2014Por el examen.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Because of the exam.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How something works<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

We use por<\/em> to explain how something works or happens, i.e. it happens through\/by means of.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

El microondas funciona por radiaci\u00f3n.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The microwave works by means of radiation.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

El coche marcha por gasolina.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The car runs on gasoline.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Manner of communication or travel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We use por<\/em> to describe the way in which something (e.g. a person or a piece of information) has traveled.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Me lo dijo por tel\u00e9fono.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

S\/he told me by phone.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Fuimos por avi\u00f3n.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

We went by plane.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Lo enviar\u00e9 por correo.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I\u2019ll send it by\/in the post.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Behalf<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We use por<\/em> when describing things done on someone\u2019s behalf. <\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Llam\u00e9 a Juan por ti.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I called Juan for you\/on your behalf.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For the sake of<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Por<\/em> can be used to refer to doing something for the sake\/good of something\/someone.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Voy a dejar de beber por mi salud.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I\u2019m going to quit drinking for the sake of my health.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

But it can also be used to portray a pointless action:<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Pelear por pelear.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

To fight for the sake of fighting.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Lo est\u00e1 lavando por lavar.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

He\u2019s just washing it for the sake of it.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In favor of <\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Earlier we saw that estar para<\/em> <\/em>means \u2018to be about to.\u2019<\/p>\n

If we use por<\/em> instead of para<\/em>, we get a completely different phrase. Estar por <\/em>is used to literally say you\u2019re for (as opposed to against) something.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Estoy por los derechos humanos.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I\u2019m for (in favor of) human rights.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Yet to be done<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another way we can use estar <\/em>with por<\/em> is to talk about something that needs to be done, or will be done. Just put an infinitive after the por<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

El ba\u00f1o est\u00e1 por limpiar.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The bathroom needs to be\/is yet to be cleaned.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Laura est\u00e1 por llegar.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Laura is yet to arrive.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

Location<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Por<\/em> can be used to say that you\u2019re going through a location, or to describe the general area of that location.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Vamos a Nueva Zelanda por Australia.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

We\u2019re going to New Zealand via Australia.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Keith viaj\u00f3 por Per\u00fa.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Keith traveled around Peru.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Similarly, if an object moves through another object, use por<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

El hilo pas\u00f3 por el ojo de la aguja.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The thread passed through the eye of the needle.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Exchange\/price<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Use por<\/em> to say that you bought something for a certain amount, or to describe swapping something for something else.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Juan compr\u00f3 el reloj por 1.500\u20ac.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Juan bought the watch for \u20ac1,500.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Por tus galletas, te doy mis patatas fritas.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

For your biscuits, I\u2019ll give you my chips.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Multiplied by<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In math, por<\/em> is used when multiplying numbers. It translates in this case as \u2018by.\u2019<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Tres por tres son nueve.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3×3=9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

La hoja de papel mide 6 por 10 cm.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The sheet of paper measures 6 by 10 cm.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u2018By\u2019 in passive constructions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Por<\/em> is often used in what we call \u2018passive constructions\u2019 when we want to describe something that was done by <\/strong>someone.\u2019 Check out these examples:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

El libro fue escrito por Cervantes.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The book was written by Cervantes.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

La mujer fue atacada por el cocodrilo.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The woman was attacked by the crocodile.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

To take for\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To perceive someone or something in a certain way.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a1No me tomes por idiota!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Don\u2019t take me for an idiot.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Lo damos por sentado.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

We take him for granted.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

To judge by\/going by<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

This is a situation when you want to make a judgement based on some other information.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Por lo que me dijo, …<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Going by what she told me, \u2026<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Por su voz, creo que estaba feliz.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Judging by his voice, I think he was happy.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In search of something<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This one is a little counterintuitive, but we can use por<\/em> when we are going to get something.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Fui (a) por mi coche.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I went for (to get) my car.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Marc fue a la tienda por fruta.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Marc went to the store for (to buy) fruit.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

However\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We don\u2019t mean \u2018however\u2019 in the sense of \u2018but.\u2019 We\u2019re using it in the sense of \u2018however much X happens, Y won\u2019t<\/strong> happen.\u2019 Check out the examples:<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Por m\u00e1s que te quejes, no cambiar\u00e1 nada.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

However much you complain, nothing will change.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Por mucho dinero que tenga, no comprar\u00e1 un coche nuevo.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

However much money he has, he won\u2019t buy a new car.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Duration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

This one is a little complicated.  In some situations, para<\/em> (in the case of the duration of something in the future), or maybe even no preposition at all, will be preferable. But here\u2019s when you usually use por<\/em>:<\/p>\n

When you want to emphasize that something only lasted for a short period of time, use por.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Solo estuvo por un momento.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

He was only here for a moment.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When you want to say how long something lasted in general, Latin Americans may use por<\/em> whereas Spaniards may use durante.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n
\n

Me qued\u00e9 en el hotel por\/durante dos semanas.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

I stayed in the hotel for two weeks.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Gracias<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When giving thanks for something, we always use por<\/em> not para<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
\n

Gracias por el anillo.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Thank you for the ring.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Muchas gracias por venir.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Thank you very much for coming.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Time for a quiz!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pick the correct answer for each of the following phrases:<\/p>\n

1. I came to ask to you a favor.<\/strong><\/p>\n

a. Vine para pedirte un favor.<\/em> <\/p>\n

b. Vine por pedirte un favor.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Click to view correct answer<\/h4>\n

a. Vine para pedirte un favor.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

2. The boy was rejected by Ana.<\/strong><\/p>\n

a. El chico fue rechazado por Ana.<\/em><\/p>\n

b. El chico fue rechazado para Ana.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Click to view correct answer<\/h4>\n

a. El chico fue rechazado por Ana.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

3. You have to have written it by tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

a. Tienes que haberlo escrito por ma\u00f1ana.<\/em><\/p>\n

b. <\/em>Tienes que haberlo escrito para ma\u00f1ana.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Click to view correct answer<\/h4>\n

b. Tienes que haberlo escrito para ma\u00f1ana.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Thank you for being my best friend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

a. Gracias por ser mi mejor amiga. <\/em><\/p>\n

b. Gracias para ser mi mejor amiga.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Click to view correct answer<\/h4>\n

a. Gracias por ser mi mejor amiga.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

5. I\u2019ll sell it to you for $10.<\/strong><\/p>\n

a. Te lo vendo para $10.<\/em><\/p>\n

b. Te lo vendo por $10.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Click to view correct answer<\/h4>\n

b. Te lo vendo por $10.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Phew!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

In this article we\u2019ve looked at the differences between por<\/em> and para<\/em>. There\u2019s a lot to take in, so just try to practice a little every day. \u00a1Gracias por leer!<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Por and para both translate into English as \u2018for,\u2019 but they can\u2019t be used interchangeably! In this article we\u2019ll show you when to opt for por and when to pick para. The way some people like to look at it is that por is used for looking back to the cause or origin of something, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"

Por<\/em> and para<\/em> both translate into English as \u2018for,\u2019 but they can\u2019t be used interchangeably! In this article we\u2019ll show you when to opt for por<\/em> and when to pick para<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>

The way some people like to look at it is that por<\/em> is used for looking back to the cause or origin of something, and para<\/em> is used for forward-looking things (like purpose or destination). But this is a massive generalization, and we want you to understand the difference in more detail.<\/p><\/div>

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