Por vs Para in Spanish: When to use them
As both “Por and Para” in Spanish can be translated as “for” in English. it can be confusing to determine which one to use. The quick and easy way to know which one to use is to think about their usage. So, let’s go over the main differences between Por and Para, which can help you understand the correct usage of each preposition.
How do you use POR and PARA in Spanish?
“Por” generally indicates cause or reason, exchange or substitution, means or methods, general direction or time, or who or what causes/caused action in passive sentences.
On the other hand, “para” is used to express purpose, use, destination, recipient, and future time or deadline.”
Also, you’ll find the most common expressions that include “por” and “para” towards the end of this post. These are the expressions or idioms that are already established and well used, so memorizing them will help you improve both your Spanish speaking and listening skills.
First, let’s take a closer look at the main differences and then delve into all the usages of “por” vs “para” in detail.
As an Amazon Affiliate, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading! See our disclosure here.
The Use of “Por” in Spanish that “Para” Doesn’t Have
Cause, Motive, or Reason (for, because of)
Me enfermé por el frío.
I got sick because of the cold.
No pudieron viajar por falta de dinero.
They couldn’t travel for lack of money.
Fue a Nueva York por mi trabajo.
I went to New York for my work.
Means or Methods (via, by, on)
Voy a México por avión.
I go to Mexico by plane.
Te lo mando por correo.
I send it to you by mail.
Hablé con mi madre por teléfono.
I talked to my mom on the phone.
Approximate Direction (though, around, near)
Mi hermana vive por el centro.
My sister lives near downtown.
Voy a ir por Nueva York en mayo.
I’m going to (somewhere) near/around New York in May.
El banco está por aquí.
The bank is around here.
Paseamos por el parque.
We take a walk through the park.
Approximate Time or Duration (in, for, around)
Tomo un café por la mañana.
I drink coffee in the morning.
Viví en Madrid por diez años. (Latin American Spanish)
I lived in Madrid for ten years.
(In Spain, they don’t use “por” when talking about duration. Just omit “por”
Viví en Madrid diez años. Or to emphasize the duration, Vivi en Madrid durante diez años.)
Voy a ir a Nueva York por mayo.
I’m going to New York around May.
Substitution or Exchange (on behalf of, for)
No puedo ir al concierto hoy. Puedes ir por mí?
I can’t go to the concerto today. Can you go for/instead of/on behalf of me?
Mi hermano limpió mi cuarto por mí.
My brother cleaned my room for me.
Te doy 5 dólares por el libro.
I’ll give you 5 dollars for the book.
Te cambié mi reloj por el tuyo.
I exchanged my watch for yours.
Agent or Performer of the Action in Passive Sentences (by)
Este libro fue escrito por Charles Dickinson.
This book was written by Charles Dickinson.
El edificio fue deseñado por un arquitecto famoso.
The building was designed by a famous architect.
La energía eólica es producida por la velocidad del viento.
The wind energy is produced by the velocity of the wind.
Frequency (a, per)
Voy a la clase de español una vez por semana.
I go to Spanish class once a week (once per week).
El límite de velocidad es 60 millas por hora.
The speed limit is 60 miles per hour.
Distribution (per)
Las entradas para el concierto cuestan cincuenta dólares por persona.
The concert tickets cost fifty dollars per person.
El gasto por estudiante ha aumentado mucho en los últimos años.
The expenditure per student has gone up a lot in recent years.
Price (for)
Compré tres naranjas por dos dólares.
I bought three oranges for two dollars.
Llevate uno y el otro por mitad del precio.
Buy one get the second one-half price.
Everything You Need to Know about “Por”
Here, you’ll see all the usage of “por” that is published by the Real Academia Española (RAE). The RAE is the institution in Spain which conserves and maintains the integrity of the Spanish language. We’ve added more examples to help you understand more clearly and easily. The use of Por and Para can be pretty tricky but we hope this helps.
1. To indicate the Agent (Performer of the action) in Passive Sentences (by)
El puente fue construido por los españoles.
The bridge was constructed by Spanish people.
Esta manta fue hecha por mi madre.
This blanket was made by my mom.
2. To Denote the Movement through a Place Stated. (through)
Este autobús va a Puero Vallarta pasando por la Ciudad de Mexico.
This bus goes to Puerto Vallarta passing through Mexico City.
El gato entró por la ventana.
The cat entered through the window.
3. To Indicate the Approximate Location (around, near)
Mi primo vive por Madrid.
My cousin lives near Madrid.
El banco está por aquí.
The bank is round here.
4. To Denote a Specific Part or Places (by)
Agarrar el toro por los cuernos.
Take the bull by the horns.
5. When Used with the Month, Season, and Time, It Determines the Approximate Timeframe (around)
Voy a visitar a mi abuela por la Navidad.
I’m going to visit my grandma around the Christmas time.
Voy a ir a Madrid por marzo.
I’m going to Madrid around March.
6. A Type or Quality of Something or Someone (as)
Recibir por esposa.
To take as wife.
Reconocer a alguien por amigo.
To recognize someone as friend.
Le tengo por buen hombre.
I take him for a good man.
7. Cause (for, because of, due to)
Cerrado por vacaciones.
Closed for vacation.
Falté al trabajo por enfermedad.
I missed work due to illness.
8. Means to Carry out Something (by, via, on)
Lo mandé por correo.
I sent it by mail.
Hablé por teléfono.
Talked on the phone.
Las señales de GPS se transmiten por satélite.
The GPS signals are transmitted via satellite.
9. Ways to Execute Something (in a certain way)
Tuve que abrir la puerta por la fuerza.
I had to open the door in a forceful manner.
Celebraron la boda por todo lo alto.
They celebrated their wedding in style (in a big way, with no expense spared).
10. Price or Quantity (for)
Lo compré por diez euros
I bought it for ten euros.
Te llevas dos libros por el precio de uno.
You get two for the price of one.
11. A Favor or in Defense of Someone or Something (for)
Por su amor, daría todo.
For his/her love, I would give everything.
Por la paz haremos hasta lo imposible.
For peace, we’ll do even what’s impossible.
12. To Substitute Someone or Something
Tengo mis maestros por padres. (meaning – para mí, mis padres son como mis maestros.)
My parents are like teachers to me.
Me dieron gato por liebre.
I was given a cat instead of a hare. (Spanish expression “dar gato por liebre” meaning: To ripped off someone. To fool someone by selling or giving a poor-quality item pretending that it is a high-quality item.
13. Justice or Opinion of Someone
A Héctor lo tengo por santo. (meaning – Considero que Héctor es una buena persona.)
I consider Hector to be a good person. / I think Hector is like a saint.
A Héctor lo doy por buen soldado. (meaning – Considero que Héctor es una buena persona.)
I consider Hector to be a good person.
14. To Denote that Something Is Divided by the Same Quantity (per)
La fiesta cuesta 20 euros por persona.
The party costs 20 euros per person.
Este café internet (cibercafé) cobra por hora.
This internet café (cybercafé) charges by the hour.
15. Used in Multiplication of Numbers (by, times)
Cuatro por cuatro
4 x 4, four by four
Dos por tres son seis.
Two times three equals six.
Después de la remodelación, la cocina ha multiplicado por tres su espacio.
After the remodel, the kitchen is now three times larger than before.
16. Proportion
50 por ciento
50 percent
17. To Compare Two Things or More in the Same Group of Things (by)
Memoricé el libro de texto palabra por palabra.
I memorized the textbook word by word.
Comprobé todos los archivos uno por uno.
I checked everything one by one.
18. Compensation or Equality (for)
María me ofrece su flauta por mi guitarra
María offered her flute for my guitar.
Lo comido por lo servido. (meaning –ni se gana ni se pierde, has gastado tanto y has ganado lo mismo. – no win no loss)
For example, if you play the lottery and spend 100 dollars, then you win about the same amount, say 90 to 110 dollars. Then you would say, “al final, lo comido por lo servido” meaning that you ended up more or less the same.
19. Meaning “en orden a,” “acerca de” in Spanish (in order to, with respect to, regarding, as to, referring to)
El equipo está luchando por ganar el partido.
The team is fighting to win the game.
Me apasiona por asuntos que puedo representar una diferencia.
I’m passionate about the things that I can make a difference.
20. It Can Mean “a través de” in Spanish (though). Passing Something through to the Other Side of Something.
Pasa la harina por un tamizador.
Pass the flour through a sieve.
Entró por un oído y salió por el otro.
Go in one ear and out (through) the other.
21. It Can Mean “sin” in Spanish to Denote the Shortage or Lack of Action or Some Action to Be Completed in the Future.
Lo mejor está por venir.
The best is yet to come.
Quedan tres cosas por terminar.
There are three things left to finished.
Falta un año por terminar la universidad.
One year left to finish university.
22. In Place of Spanish Preposition “a” and the Verb “traer” or Other
Voy por vino (meaning Voy a traer vino.)
I’m going to bring wine/I’m going to get wine/I’m going to pick up wine.
Voy por tí.
I’ll come for you/I’ll pick you up.
23. With Certain Infinitive Verbs, It Can Mean “para”
El autor la denuncio por incurrir en una violación de derechos de autor.
The author sued her for incurring the violation of a copyright.
Estudio por saber más.
I study to know more.
24. With Certain Infinitive Verbs, “por” Denotes the Future Action of those Verbs.
La tormenta está por venir.
The storm is coming / The storm is about to come.
El tren está por llegar.
The train is coming / The train is about to come.
25. After a Verb and before the Same Verb in the Infinitive Form, “por” Denotes the Uselessness the Action.
Tenemos que dejar de comer por comer.
We have to stop eating just because (mindlessly).
Solo estás comprando por comprar.
You are just buying just for the sake of buying.
26. Following “no” or Followed by an Adjective or Adverb that Has Concessive Value.
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano.
No matter how early you get up, the sun is not going to rise any earlier.
No por ir rápido llegarás temprano.
No matter how fast you go, you will not arrive any earlier.
No por muy inteligente que sea podrá aprobar los exámenes.
No matter how intelligent he/she may be, he/she will not pass the exams.
27. To Ask for a Cause of Something.
¿Por qué?
Why?
Spanish Expressions that Include “por”
Por adelantado – in advance
Por ahora – for now
Por allí – around there
Por aquí – around here, this way
Por casualidad – by chance
Por cierto – by the way
Por completo – completely
por consecuencia – consequently
por dentro – inside
Por desagracia – unfortunately
por donde – where to
Por ejemplo – for example
Por escrito – by writing
Por eso – therefore, that’s why
Por favor – please
Por fin – finally
por fuera – outside
Por lo general – in general
Por lo menos – at least
Por lo tanto – therefore
Por lo visto – apparently
Por mi cuenta – by myself, on my own
Por primera vez – for the first time
Por que? – Why? (asking for reasons)
Por separado – separately
Por si acaso – just in case
Por suerte – fortunately, luckily
Por supuesto – of course
Por todas partes – everywhere
Por último – finally
Por un pelo – barely
Palabra por palabra – word by word
Una vez por todas – once and for all
Uno por uno – one by one
Voy por tí – I’ll pick you up.
Paso por ti – I’ll pick you up. I’ll swing by for you.
Voy a por el pan. – I’ll go get bread (in Spain)
Voy por agua. – I’ll go get water (Latin America)
Estar por something. – I’m up for something. I’m in a mood for something. Estoy por tomar vino. – I’m in a mood for drinking wine.
Gracias por el regalo. – Thank you for the gift.
Gracias por leer. – Thank you for reading😊
The Use of Para in Spanish
First, let’s talk about the main usage, then we’ll cover more in-depth using the explanation from the RAE.
Purpose (to, in order to)
Necesito una toalla para secarme.
I need a towel to/in order to dry myself.
Voy a España para aprender Español.
I go to Spanish to/in order to learn Spanish.
Antes de entregar tu redacción, deberías revisarla para asegurarte de que está clara y correcta.
Before turning in your essay, you should review it in order to make sure that it’s clear and correct.
Use (for)
Compré la comida para la fiesta.
I bought food for the party.
Este vestido es para el verano.
This dress is for Summer.
Direction, Movement towards a Place (to, towards, in the direction of, for)
Salgo para Alemania.
I leave for Germany.
Este autobús va para el centro.
This bus goes to/in the direction of downtown.
Destination (to)
Voy para Barcelona.
I’m going to Barcelona.
Este autobús para París sale a las tres de la tarde.
This bus to Paris leaves at 3 in the afternoon.
Recipient (for)
Este regalo es para ti.
This gift is for you.
Mi novio trajo estas flores para mí.
My boyfriend brought these flowers for me.
Para mí, un café, por favor.
Coffee for me, please.
Esta clase es para los principiantes.
This class is for beginners.
Limited Period of Time or Deadline/due (for, by, due, until)
Tengo que terminar los deberes para las cinco de la tarde.
I have to finish the homework by 5 pm.
Este reporte es para el viernes.
This report is due Friday.
La leccion para mañana es fácil.
The lecture for tomorrow is easy.
Falta un cuarto para las dos.
It needs a quarter until two = It’s a quarter to two = It’s 1:45 (in Mexican Spanish).
Comparison (for, to)
Tu hijo es muy alto para su edad.
Your son is very tall for his age.
Es demasiado joven para trabajar.
He/she is too young to work.
Para ser extranjera, habla español muy bien.
For a foreigner, she speaks Spanish very well.
Para ser verano, hace mucho frio.
It’s cold for summer.
Opinion (for, in one’s opinion)
Para mi madre, esa escuela no es muy buena.
In my mom’s opinion, that school is not very good.
Para mí, este restaurante es el mejor de esta ciudad.
For me, this restaurant is the best in the city.
In a Pinch, Just Remember in General “PARA” Refers to the Destination and “POR” Refers to the Source and Cause.
Everything You Need to Know about “Para”
Now, let’s dive deep into the usages of “para.” Below, you’ll find the description according to the Real Academia Española (RAE). Again, I’ve included some examples and my comments, so you will be able to see the differences.
1. The End/Destination Where the Action is Directed or Where Something or Someone Is Headed (to, in the direction of, for).
Vas para Francía.
You are going to France.
Voy para la playa.
I’m going to the beach.
Salgo para el trabajo.
I’m leaving for work.
2. It Can Mean “hacía” in Spanish. To Denote a Sense of Movement (towards).
Voy para allá.
I’m going over there./ I’m coming over there.
Ven para acá.
Come over here.
Voy para el centro
I’m going towards downtown.
3. To Indicate the Time Which Is Deferred or Determined to Execute Something or Finish it.
Pagaré para el fin de mes (by, due).
I’ll pay by the end of the month.
Esta tarea es para mañana,
This task is due tomorrow.
Tengo que entregarlo para el lunes.
I have to turn it in by Monday.
4. To Determine the Use That Is Convenient or Serves as Something.
La cama es para dormir.
The bed is for sleeping.
Estas botas son para el invierno.
These boots are for winter.
Comer las verduras es bueno para la salud.
Eating vegetables is good for your health.
5. As an Adversarial Particle, It Can Mean the State in Which Something Is Currently Found Is Actually Opposite of What One Wants or Is Said about It.
Con buena calma te vienes para la prisa que yo tengo.
You come with such calmness for the rush that I’m in./ Although I’m in such a rush, you arrive with such calm.
Me pagan poco para lo mucho que trabajo.
I get paid little for how much I work. / Although I work so much, they pay me little.
6. The Relationship of One Thing with Another, or What Is Proper, or What One Deserves for His/Her Action or Behavior.
Poco lo alaban para lo que merece.
They praise him little for what he deserves. / He deserves more praise.
Para un niño, canta bien.
For a child, he sings well.
Para ser invierno, hace demasiado calor.
For Winter, it’s too hot.
7. Aptitude and Capability of a Person.
Mi padre es bueno para todo.
My Dad is good for everything = He does everything well/He is good at everything.
Tu prima es buena para dibujar.
Your cousin is good for drawing = Your cousin draws well / Your cousin is good at drawing.
Mi hermano es bueno para nada. = My brother is good for nothing / He is not good at anything.
8. When Used with a Verb, It Means the Resolution, Willingness or Ability to Do What the Verb Denotes, or the Proximity or Immediacy to Do It. And in the Last Meaning, It’s Used with the Verb “estar.”
Me levanto temprano para llegar a tiempo.
I get up early to arrive on time.
Voy a la escuela para aprender.
I go to school to learn.
Soy suficientemente inteligente para aprobar los exámenes.
I’m smart enough to pass the exams.
Vino a tu casa para cocinar.
I came to your house to cook.
Estoy para salir.
I’m about to leave.
9. With the Personal Pronouns mí, sí, etc., and with Some Verbs, Denotes the Particularity of the Person, or that the Action of What Is Expressed by the Verb Is Internal or Secret, and Is Not Communicated to Another.
Haz para ti. = Haz para ti mismo.
Do it for yourself.
Leo el libro para mí.
I read the book for myself.
Dinero para mí tengo.
I have money for myself.
10. Together with Some Nouns, It is Used to Give a Notion of the Verb “comprar (to buy) or with the Sense of “entregar a (deliver to)’, “obsequiar a (give away to),” etc.
Te doy dinero para fruta.
I give you money for fruit (to buy fruit).
Estos libros son para los amigos.
These books are for my friends.
Spanish Expressions that Contain “para”
Para acá (also written Pa’ca) – over here.
Ven para acá (ven pa’ca). – Come over here.
Para allá (also written Pa’lla) – over there.
Voy para allá (Voy pa’lla).– I’ll go over there.
Para colmo – to top it all, on top of that
Me perdí, y para colmo, no tenía dinero para pagar un taxi. – I got lost, and on top of that, I didn’t have money to pay for a taxi.
Para eso – for that, To despise something for its uselessness.
Para eso no me hubiera molestado en venir. – For that, I wouldn’t have bothered to come.
Para nada – not at all.
No me gusta para nada. – I don’t like it at all.
Para que – so that. To indicate a purpose or intention.
Te lo repito para que entiendas. – I repeat it so that you understand.
Para qué – For what purpose?
¿Para qué sirve ese instrumento? – For what purpose does it serve? What’s this instrument for?
Para siempre – forever
No estar para – lack of motivation
No estoy para fiestas. – I’m not up for parties.
Estar para + infinitive verb. – To be ready to/about to do something.
Estoy para salir. – I’m about to leave.
No es para tanto. – It’s not that bad.
Aprender español es súper difícil, ¿verdad?
No, no es para tanto😊
The Differences between Por and Para that May Be More Confusing than Others
Here are some of the examples to show the difference in comparing the prepositions.
El tren va por Madrid.
The train goes through Madrid, or The train goes near Madrid.
El tren va a Barcelona por Madrid.
The train goes to Barcelona via/through Madrid.
El tren va para Madrid.
The train goes to Madrid, or The train goes in the direction of/towards Madrid (the final destination being Madrid).
El tren va para Barcelona por Madrid.
The train goes to Barcelona via/through Madrid (The train goes in the direction of Barcelona via/through Madrid – Barcelona being the final destination).
Compré este libro por tí.
I bought this book on behalf of you.
Compré este libro para tí.
I bought this book for you (as a gift).
Compré este libro para María por ti.
I bought this book for Maria on behalf of you.
Por mí, está bien.
It’s okay by me./ As far as I’m concerned, it’s fine. (agreeing to what is suggested)
Para mí, está bien.
For me, it’s okay.
Wrapping up Por vs Para
You might be thinking that this is a lot to memorize…Yes, I agree. The use of Por and Para is not very intuitive, but repeating the example sentences and making your own sentences will improve your understanding of the usage of Por and Para. As you go over the example, your brain will try to detect patterns automatically. When your brain finds the pattern, it will be easier to remember. Reviewing a lot of sentences will facilitate your brain to find patterns much quicker. And in no time, your brain will know which one to use without much effort. So, you will know which one to use when intuitively like native kids! Kids learn everything through experience and repetition throughout their lives.
However, since adults don’t have years to actually experience everything to master a language as kids do, the closest thing we can do is learn from examples. I would say it’s one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn a new language quickly without leaving your own country. For that reason, I tried to provide as many examples as possible in this post. If you ever have doubts and need a quick and dirty answer, just remember that in general “Para” refers to the destination, and “por” refers to the source. If you need more examples of some of the usage, please let us know. Luis and I will try our best to help you conquer the land of “por” y “para.”
Happy Spanish-ing!
Sources: Real Academia Española
https://dle.rae.es/?id=Rp1CuT2
https://dle.rae.es/?id=TgJ7yhD
Check out these tips on How to Learn Spanish Fast!
- 15 Best Spanish Learning Hacks I Used to Become Fluent Fast!
- 30 Spanish Conversation Starters Every Spanish Learner Should know
- What Are the Differences between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish?
- 3 Important Tips to Learn Spanish You Must Know
- 20 Popular Spanish Songs for Learning Spanish Fast
- Daily Routine in Spanish
- 64 Easy Hobbies and Activities in Spanish: Words and Phrases You Can Use Right Now
Pin it for Later!
