Today, I'd like to go over one of the topics students find very challenging: The prepositions POR and PARA.
These prepositions have a special place in the minds of Spanish learners since their translation depends on context and meaning.
Before learning the translations, I recommend learning the scenarios and contexts for using them.
Let's start with the uses of 'POR':
1) Expressing cause or reason:
Example:
- Tengo que viajar la próxima semana por trabajo - I have to travel next week for work
2) Expressing duration of time:
Example:
- Voy a estudiar Español por 30 minutos todos los días - I’m going to study Spanish for 30 minutes every day.
3) Indicating movement or location:
Example:
- Ayer fui a caminar en la ciudad y pasé por un restaurante Venezolano - Yesterday, I went for a walk in the city and went through a Venezuelan restaurant.
4) Specifying the way of communication or means of transportation:
Example:
- Voy a enviar la información por correo electrónico - I’m going to send the information by email.
5) Expressing exchange or substitution:
Example:
- Necesito cambiar mi carro por uno nuevo - I need to change my car for a new one.
6) Expressing gratitude:
Example:
Muchas gracias por tu ayuda - Thank you very much for your help.
7) Denoting the agent in passive constructions:
Example:
Este libro fue escrito por Isabel Allende - This book was written by Isabel Allende.
The English translations for the preposition 'POR' are:
For - By - Through - Because of - In exchange for - During - Per - By means of - On behalf of.
Let's continue with the uses of 'PARA':
1) Expressing purpose or intention:
Example:
- Quiero aprender Español para comunicarme con la comunidad Hispana - I want to learn Spanish to communicate with the Hispanic community.
2) Referring to deadlines or specific times:
Example:
- Necesito el informe para mañana - I need the report by tomorrow.
3) Indicating recipient or intended recipient:
Example:
- Compré un regalo para mi hijo - I bought a gift for my son.
4) Expressing an opinion:
Example:
- Para mí, esta es la mejor opción - For me, this is the best option.
5) Indicating the purpose of an object/thing:
Example:
- Este cuchillo es para cortar pan - This knife is for cutting bread.
6) Expressing comparison:
Example:
- La casa parece más nueva para haber sido construida hace 20 años - The house looks newer for a house that was built 20 years ago.
7) Indicating seniority or higher rank (usually in work-related topics)
Example:
- Daniela trabaja para una gran compañía - Daniela works for a great company.
The English translations for the preposition 'PARA' are:
For - To - In order to - Towards - For the purpose of - For the benefit of - Intended for - Destined for
Test your knowledge with our short and interactive POR v PARA quiz:
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