What Does “Por” Mean in Spanish
Unveiling the Meaning of “Por” in Spanish
In Spanish, “por” is a versatile preposition that translates to several meanings in English, such as “for,” “by,” “through,” “because of,” and “around.” Its usage depends on context and the specific function it serves within a sentence.
Usage and Examples
Here are instances where “por” is used:
Te compré un regalo por tu cumpleaños. (I bought you a gift for your birthday.)
El libro fue escrito por Gabriel García Márquez. (The book was written by Gabriel García Márquez.)
Expressing Purpose or Reason
“Por” is often used to indicate the purpose or reason for an action:
Viajamos por placer. (We travel for pleasure.)
Estoy estudiando por mejorar mis habilidades. (I am studying to improve my skills.)
Exchange and Trade
“Por” can denote an exchange or trade:
Cambié mi bicicleta por su patineta. (I traded my bike for his skateboard.)
Compré esta joya por una buena oferta. (I bought this jewel for a good deal.)
Movement Through a Space
“Por” can indicate movement through a place:
Caminamos por el parque. (We walked through the park.)
El río pasa por el centro de la ciudad. (The river goes through the center of the city.)
Duration and Time
“Por” is used to express the duration of an action:
Estudiamos por dos horas. (We studied for two hours.)
Trabajé en esa empresa por cinco años. (I worked at that company for five years.)
Conclusion
Understanding the various meanings of “por” in Spanish allows you to use this versatile preposition accurately to convey purpose, reason, exchange, movement, duration, and more in your conversations.
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