Spanish is a rich and versatile language that can often be a challenge for foreign students. One of the most challenging aspects of learning Spanish is the correct use of prepositions, particularly “por” and “para”. These two little words can cause confusion, but understanding when and how to use them is critical to communicating fluently and accurately in Spanish. In this lesson, we will explore in depth the use of “por” and “para” in different contexts and provide examples to help you master these prepositions.
Introduction “Por” y “Para”
Before diving into the details, it is important to understand the basic functions of “por” and “para”.
- Por is used to express causes, reasons, motives, duration, means, substitution, exchange, gratitude, and many other situations. It is a very versatile preposition that is often translated as “for”, “by”, “through”, “because of”, “per”, “during”, “via”, “on behalf of”, “in exchange for”, among others.
- Para is used primarily to indicate purpose, destination, comparison, opinion, deadlines, and other uses related to the objective or purpose of an action. It is often translated as “for”, “to”, “in order to”, “for the purpose of”, “toward”, “for the sake of”, among others. I know this might seem complicated but don’t worry. We will look at each of these prepositions in detail and you will see that with practice it will be a piece of cake. Very good, Now let’s explore these uses with examples and detailed explanations. Let’s begin with Por Common Uses of “Por” 1. Cause or Reason:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to express the cause or reason behind an action. It
indicates the reason why something is happening.
Example: “Lloré por la película emotiva.” “I cried because of the emotional film.”
In this example, “por” is used to express the cause or reason behind an action. The cause or reason why someone cries is the emotional movie.
2. Duration:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to indicate the duration of an action or event, i.e.,
how long something lasts.
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Example: “Estudié por tres horas.” “I studied for three hours.”
In this case, it is indicating how long the study lasted, which was for three hours.
3. Mean or Mode:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to indicate the mean or mode by which an action
is performed. It refers to how something is done.
Example: “nos comunicamos por correo electrónico.” “We communicate by email.” In this example, we are communicating through the medium of e-mail.
4. Substitution:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to indicate that something or someone is taking
the place or position of another thing or person.
Example: “Trabajo por mi hermana mientras ella está de vacaciones.” “I work for my sister while she is on vacation.”
In this sentence, “por” is used to indicate that someone is working in place of her sister, i.e., replacing her.
5. Exchange:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to express an exchange, when something is given
or received in exchange for something else.
Example: “Cambié dólares por euros en el banco.” “I exchanged dollars for euros at the bank.”
In this example, one currency (dollars) is being exchanged for another (euros) at the bank.
6. Gratitude:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to express gratitude or thanks to someone for an
action or favor.
Example: “Te doy las gracias por tu ayuda.” “I thank you for your help.”
In this sentence, “por” is used to express gratitude or thanks to someone for their help.
7. Road or Route:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to indicate the route or path along which
something or someone moves or travels.
Example: “Pasamos por Mérida en nuestro camino a Cancún.” “We passed through Mérida on our way to Cancún.”
In this case, we are traveling to Cancún via Mérida.
8. Multiplication:
• Explanation: In mathematical contexts, “por” is used to indicate the
multiplication of numbers.
Example: “Cuatro por cuatro es igual a dieciséis.” “Four times four equals sixteen.”
In this mathematical expression, “por” is used to indicate the multiplication operation. Four multiplied by four equals sixteen.
9. Speed:
• Explanation: “Por” is used to express the speed at which something or
someone is moving.
Example: “Conducía a 120 kilómetros por hora.” “He was driving 120 kilometers per hour.”
In this case, he is driving at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour.
Common Phrases and Expressions with “Por” in Spanish
The preposition “por” is extremely versatile in Spanish and is used in numerous phrases and expressions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their explanations:
1. Por favor: This is a polite expression meaning “please”. It is used to request something in a polite manner.Se utiliza para solicitar algo de manera educada.
• Example: “¿Puedes pasarme la sal, por favor?” “Can you pass the salt, please?”
2. Por supuesto: It means “of course” or “certainly”. It is used to affirm or confirm something emphatically.
• Example: “¿Puedes ayudarme con esto?” – “¡Por supuesto!” “Can you help me with this?” – “Of course!”
3. Por lo tanto: Indicates a conclusion or result, equivalent to “therefore” or “so”. It is used to connect ideas or arguments.
• Example: “Estudié toda la noche; por lo tanto, estoy cansado.” “I studied all night; therefore, I am tired.”
4. Por si acaso: It means “just in case”. It is used when you want to foresee a situation and take preventive measures.
• Example: “Lleva un paraguas por si acaso llueve.” “Carry an umbrella just in case it rains.”
5. Por lo general: Equivalent to “generally” or “usually”.It is used to talk about something that happens in most cases.
• Example: “Por lo general, me despierto temprano.” “I usually wake up early.”
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These are just a few of the many expressions with “por” in Spanish. As you can see, “por” is used in a wide variety of contexts to express different meanings and nuances in Spanish communication.
Now let’s look at the common uses of para
Common Uses of “Para”
1. Purpose and Objective:
• Explanation: “Para” is used to indicate the purpose of an action. It indicates
the purpose of something. meaning, is used to indicate the objective or goal
of an action or effort.
Example: “Estudio español para comunicarme mejor.” “I study Spanish to communicate better.”
In this sentence, “para” is used to indicate the purpose or objective of studying Spanish, which is to improve communication.
2. Destination:
• Explanation: “Para” is used to indicate the destination or recipient of
something or someone.
Example: “El regalo es para ti.” “The gift is for you.”
In this example we are talking about the destination of the gift. It is destined for you.
3. Deadlines:
• Explanation: “Para” is used to express deadlines or moments in time when
something is expected to be ready or happen.
Example: “Necesito este informe para mañana.” “I need this report by tomorrow.” In this case we are using para to inform the deadline date of the report.
4. Opinion or Comparison:
• Explanation: “Para” is used to express an opinion, preference or comparison.
Example: “Para mí, el chocolate es mejor que la vainilla.” “For me, chocolate is better than vanilla.”
In this sentence, “para” is used to express a personal opinion and a comparison, which is that chocolate is preferred over vanilla and its better than vanilla.
5. Job:
• Explanation: “Para” is used to indicate the job or company for which
someone works.
Example: “Trabajo para una empresa de tecnología.” “I work for a technology company.”
In this sentence, “para” is used to indicate the job or company for which someone works.
Common Phrases and Expressions with “Para” in Spanish
The preposition “para” is used in a variety of Spanish phrases and expressions, each with a particular meaning. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their explanations:
1. Para siempre: It means “forever”. It is used to indicate an infinite duration or indefinite permanence in time.
• Example: “Prometo amarte para siempre.” “I promise to love you forever.”
2. Para nada: Equivalent to “not at all” or” not in the least”. It is used to emphatically deny something.
• Example: “No me gusta la comida picante para nada.” “I don’t like spicy food at all.”
3. Para que: It is used to express an objective or purpose. Equivalent to “in order to” or “so that”.
• Example: “Estudio mucho para que mis notas sean buenas.” “I study hard so that my grades will be good.”
4. Para bien o para mal: It means “for better or for worse”. It is used to express that something is destined to happen, whether positive or negative.
• Example: “Asumí el nuevo trabajo, para bien o para mal.” “I took on the new job, for better or worse.”
5. Para entonces: It means “by then”. It is used to indicate a point in the future when something will occur or be ready.
• Example: “Espero haber terminado el informe para entonces.” “I hope to have finished the report by then.”
6. Para que veas: So, you can see. It is used to show something or give evidence. It is a common introduction before demonstrating something.
• Example: “Hice un pastel, para que veas lo fácil que es.” “I made a cake, so you can see how easy it is.”
7. Para qué: It means “what for” or “for what purpose”. It is used to ask about the purpose or aim of something.
• Example: “¿Para qué necesitas tantas tazas de café?” “What do you need so many cups of coffee for?”
These are some of the most common expressions that use “para” in Spanish. Each has a specific meaning and can be useful for communicating fluently and accurately in different contexts.
Conclusion
Very good, as you can see the use of “por” and “para” in Spanish can be a challenge for foreign students, but with practice and understanding of the basics, you can master these key prepositions. Remember that constant practice and exposure to the language are essential to improving your Spanish skills – keep studying and you will soon feel more confident using “por” and “para” in your Spanish conversations and writing!
Rules for Choosing Between “Por” and “Para” in Spanish Use “Por” When:
1. Cause or Reason: Use “por” to express the cause or reason behind an ac8on or situa8on. – Example: Lo hice por amor (I did it out of love).
2. Dura8on or Time: Use “por” to indicate the dura8on of an ac8on or an ac8vity. – Example: Estudié por tres horas (I studied for three hours).
3. Mo8on or Movement Through a Place: Use “por” when describing movement through a place or a route.
– Example: Caminamos por el parque (We walked through the park).
4. Means or Method: Use “por” to indicate the means or method by which something is done.
– Example: Llamé por teléfono (I called by phone).
5. Exchange or Subs8tu8on: Use “por” when talking about exchange or subs8tu8on.
– Example: Te lo cambio por este (I’ll exchange it for this one).
Use “Para” When:
1. Purpose or Goal: Use “para” to express the purpose or goal of an ac8on. – Example: Estudiamos para aprender (We study in order to learn).
2. Des8na8on: Use “para” to indicate the des8na8on or endpoint of an ac8on. – Example: Salimos para Madrid (We’re leaving for Madrid).
3. Intended Recipient: Use “para” when indica8ng something is intended for a specific person. – Example: Este regalo es para G (This giH is for you).
4. Deadline or Specific Time: Use “para” to convey deadlines or specific 8mes.
– Example: Debo terminar esto para mañana (I have to finish this by tomorrow).
5. Comparison: Use “para” to compare or contrast one thing with another. – Example: Para un niño, es muy inteligente (For a child, he’s very smart).
Remember:
- While these rules provide general guidance, context is crucial. Always consider the specific context of a sentence. See our full guide here.
- Exposure and prac8ce are key to mastering the correct usage of “por” and “para.”
- Don’t be discouraged by occasional mistakes; they are part of the learning process.