When to Use Para vs Por in Spanish

Let’s find out when to use para vs por in Spanish. Study basic grammar rules with online lessons. Read about how and when to use some important words and phrases.

 

What is the difference between Por and Para in Spanish?

Note: “Por” and “para” have a variety of meanings and they are often confused because they can each be translated as “for”

e.g.

Gracias por el regalo – Thanks for the gift

Este regalo es para mi abuela- This gift is for my grandmother

 

Note: “Por” has many uses, and so it is the more problematic of the two.

Rule: to express gratitude or apology

e.g.: Gracias por la ayuda.

(Thanks for the help.)

Rule: for multiplication and division e.g.: tres por tres son nueve. (three times three equals nine.)

Rule: for velocity, frequency, and proportion e.g.: Voy al cine dos veces por semana. (I go to the theater two times per week.)

Rule: meaning “through,” “along,” “by” or “in the area of” e.g.: Andamos por el centro. (We walk through the mall.)

Rule: when talking about exchange, including sales e.g.: Él me dió esto por eso. (He gave me this for that.)

Rule: to mean “on behalf of,” or “in favor of,” e.g.: Yo voté por ella. (I voted for her.)

Rule: to express a length of time e.g.: Yo estuve allí por tres horas. (I was there for three hours.)

In Spanish Por Vs Para

Rule: to express an undetermined, or general time, meaning “during” e.g.: Se puede ir por el dia. (You can go during the day.)

Rule: for means of communication or transportation e.g.: Prefiero hablar por mi  teléfono celular (I prefer to talk on my cell phone.)

Rule: in cases of mistaken identity, or meaning “to be seen as” e.g.: Me conocen por rápido. (They know me for fast.)

Rule: to show the reason for an errand (with ir, venir, pasar, mandar, volver, and preguntar) e.g.: Paso por ti a las siete. (I’ll come by for you at seven o’clock.)

Rule: when followed by an infinitive, to express an action that remains to be completed, use por + infinitive e.g.: La canción  está por terminar. (The song is about to end.)

Rule: to express cause or reason e.g.: El mujer perdió por falta de práctica. (The woman lost for lack of practice).

Rule: “estar por” means to be in the mood, or inclined to do something e.g.: Estoy por terminar (I’m about to finish.)

Rule: in passive constructions e.g.: El poema fue escrito por Carlos

(The poem was written by Carlos.)

What’s the difference between Para vs Por in Spanish?.

Note: “Por” also appears in many idiomatic expressions:

por adelantado – in advance por ahora – for now por allí – around there; that way por amor de Dios – for the love of God por aquí – around here; this way por casualidad – by chance por ciento – percent por cierto – certainly por completo – completely por dentro – inside por desgracia – unfortunately por ejemplo – for example por eso – therefore por favor – please por fin – finally por lo general – generally por lo visto – apparently por medio de – by means of por lo menos – at least por lo tanto – consequently por mi parte – as for me por ningún lado – nowhere por otra parte – on the other hand

palabra por palabra – word for word por primera vez – for the first time por separado – separately por supuesto – of course por suerte – fortunately por todas partes – everywhere por todos lados – on all sides por ultimo – finally

 

Note: “Para” — in contrast, has relatively fewer uses.

Rule: to indicate destination e.g.: El hombre se fue para su casa (The man went home)

Rule: To show the use or purpose of a thing e.g.: Los ojos son para ver. (The eyes are to see.)

Rule: to mean “in order to” or “for the purpose of” e.g.: Para hacer una pizza, necesitas harina. (To make a pizza, you need flour)

Rule: to indicate a recipient e.g.: Esta carta es para ti. (This letter is for you.)

Rule: to express a deadline or specific time e.g.: Necesito el pastel  para el Domingo. (I need the cake for Sunday.)

Rule: to express a contrast from what is expected e.g.: Para ser un anciano, se comunica muy bien. (To be an elder, he communicates very well.)

 

Rule: “estar para” to express an action that will soon be completed e.g.: La profesora está para enseñarles (The teacher is there to teach them.)

Study the two examples:

e.g.

Ana compró el regalo para Jorge. Anna bought the gift for Jorge. (She bought the gift to surprise him)

Ana compró el regalo por Jorge. Anna bought the gift for Jorge. (She bought it because he could not, or because Jorge advice her to get the gift)

Note: “Por” and “para” can also be used in questions. “¿Por qué?” means “Why?” (for what reason) while “¿Para qué?” means “Why?” (for what purpose).

e.g.

¿Por qué hablas tanto? – For what reason do you talk so much?

¿Para qué quieres más dinero? – For what purpose do you want more money?

 Read more about the Spanish grammar

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