por / para

Por vs. Para

Level 2

Por commonly gives a cause or reason; para commonly gives a purpose or goal. Learn the other uses and overlaps in context.

How It Works

‘Por’ and ‘para’ can both be translated as 'for' in English, which often causes confusion. The key is to understand the different concepts they express.

When to Use Por
Think of por as relating to the cause, reason, or means of something. This is a useful starting comparison, not an absolute rule.

  • Reason or Cause (because of):
    No salimos por la lluvia. (We didn't go out because of the rain.)
  • Duration of Time (for):
    Estudié por tres horas. (I studied for three hours.)
  • Exchange or Price (for, in exchange for):
    Pagué diez dólares por el libro. (I paid ten dollars for the book.)
  • Movement (through, along, by):
    Caminamos por el parque. (We walked through the park.)

When to Use Para
Think of para as relating to the purpose, goal, or destination. Its meaning depends on the whole phrase.

  • Purpose or Goal (in order to): This is often followed by an infinitive. See para + infinitive.
    Ahorro dinero para comprar un coche. (I'm saving money in order to buy a car.)
  • Destination (to, for):
    Este tren va para Madrid. (This train goes to Madrid.)
  • Deadline or Specific Time (by, for):
    La tarea es para el viernes. (The homework is for Friday.)
  • Recipient (for):
    Este regalo es para mi madre. (This gift is for my mother.)

Avoid Absolute Rules
Duration can use por, durante or no preposition: Hablamos por dos horas; Hablamos durante dos horas; Hablamos dos horas. Preferences vary by region. Para can introduce an intended time span: Tengo comida para dos días (I have food for two days).

Para + infinitive is the usual clear way to state purpose, but por can also express a goal with certain infinitives: Lo hice por ayudarte (I did it to help you). “Cause versus purpose” is a starting guide, not a ban on that use.

A Different Meaning Is Not Always an Error
Salgo para la oficina points toward the office as destination. Salgo por la oficina can describe the route through it. Similarly, Trabajo por mi familia can mean working for their sake, while Trabajo para esa empresa identifies the employer. Interpret the relation, not just the English word “for”.

Examples (6)

  1. Estudio español para viajar a Argentina.

    I study Spanish in order to travel to Argentina.

    Word by Word: I study Spanish for to travel to Argentina.

    'Para' is used here to express the purpose or goal of studying Spanish.

  2. Gracias por tu ayuda.

    Thank you for your help.

    Word by Word: Thanks for your help.

    'Por' is used to give the reason for the thanks.

  3. Necesito terminar el proyecto para el lunes.

    I need to finish the project by Monday.

    Word by Word: I need to finish the project for the Monday.

    'Para' indicates a deadline.

  4. Viví en Colombia por dos años.

    I lived in Colombia for two years.

    Word by Word: I lived in Colombia for two years.

    'Por' indicates the duration of time.

  5. Compré esta camisa por veinte euros.

    I bought this shirt for twenty euros.

    Word by Word: I bought this shirt for twenty euros.

    'Por' is used to talk about an exchange or price.

  6. Este pastel es para la fiesta.

    This cake is for the party.

    Word by Word: This cake is for the party.

    'Para' indicates the intended recipient or purpose of the cake.

Common Mistakes

  • Using por before a personal recipient when the intended meaning is a gift for that person.

    Different MeaningEste regalo es por Ana.
    Este regalo es para Ana.

    For the intended recipient Ana, use para Ana. Por Ana could instead mean because of Ana or for her sake in a suitable context; it does not identify the gift’s intended recipient here. Por + infinitive can also express purpose, so it is not universally wrong for goals.

  • Using 'para' to express duration of time.

    Hablamos para dos horas.
    Hablamos por dos horas.

    To report the actual length of this conversation, use por dos horas, durante dos horas or simply dos horas. Para dos horas can express an intended allocation in other constructions, but not this ordinary report of how long we talked.

  • Using por when the intended meaning is heading toward the office as a destination.

    Different MeaningSalgo por la oficina a las nueve.
    Salgo para la oficina a las nueve.

    Para marks the intended destination here. Salgo por la oficina is grammatical with a different route reading, such as leaving through the office, rather than heading there.

Words in This Pattern