Spanish Lessons

Preposition / Preposición - Por y Para

Por and Para

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In Spanish the prepositions "por" and "para" have a variety of meanings, but sometimes it can be hard to learn how to properly use those prepositions because both of them can be translated to “for”. Observe the examples below:

Examples:

• Gracias por todo. Thanks for everything
• Este regalo es para Juan. This gift is for Juan.

Let’s study both prepositions separately and see the use of each one.

POR  

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Let’s study the cases that the preposition por is used.

1 - to express gratitude

• Gracias por todo. Thanks for everything.
• Gracias por el regalo. Thanks for the gift.

2 -to indicate the reason of an action

·         Luchamos por un país justo. We fight for a fair country

3 -to identify an agent of an action

·         ‘Don Quijote’ fue escrito por Miguel De Cervantes. ‘Don Quijote’ was written by Miguel de Cervantes.

4 -to indicate the idea of going ‘through’ or ‘in the area of’

• El río  pasa por la ciudad. The river goes through the city
• El niño  salió por la ventana. The boy came out through the window.

5 - to indicate duration of an action

• Estudiamos inglés por 5 años. We’ve studied English for five years.
• Voy a vivir en los Estados Unidos por los próximos 5 años. I’ll be living in US for the next five years.

6 - for units of measurement

• Manejo a 100 millas por hora. I drive 100 mi/hour

7 - to express frequency

• Tengo clases de inglés dos veces por semana. I have English classes twice a week.

8 - Substitution or exchange
 

• Juan me pagó 20 pesos por el libro. Juan paid me 20 pesos for the book.

"Por" also appears in many idiomatic expressions. See the chart below:

 

PARA  

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1-  to indicate a destination

• Voy a  España. I’m going to Spain.
• Este regalo es  para ti. This gift is for you.

2- to indicate opinion

• Para Juan la comida no está buena. In his opinion / For Juan the food is not good.

3- to indicate a purpose

• Mi amiga estudia para obtener un mejor empleo. My friend studies in order to get a better job.

4- to express a deadline or specific time

• Necesito del informe para la próxima semana. I need the report by next week.