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Spanish Grammar Explained · Lesson 2

Por vs Para

Por and para both mean 'for' in English, which is why they trip up learners. The key: por looks backwards at reasons, causes, duration, and exchange. Para looks forwards at goals, destinations, recipients, and deadlines. Ten worked examples with clear pronunciation.

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Words in this lesson

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POR · Reason

Por expresses reason or cause.

Gracias por el regalo. — Thanks for the gift.

POR · Duration

Por is used for duration of time.

Estudié por dos horas. — I studied for two hours.

POR · Movement

Por means movement through a place.

Camino por el parque. — I walk through the park.

POR · Exchange

Por shows exchange — one thing for another.

Pagué diez euros por ello. — I paid ten euros for it.

POR · On behalf of

Por means on behalf of, or for someone's sake.

Lo hago por ti. — I do it for you.

PARA · Purpose

Para expresses purpose or goal.

Estudio para aprender. — I study in order to learn.

PARA · Destination

Para shows destination — where you're headed.

Salgo para Madrid. — I'm leaving for Madrid.

PARA · Recipient

Para indicates the recipient of something.

Este regalo es para ti. — This gift is for you.

PARA · Deadline

Para marks a deadline.

Lo necesito para el lunes. — I need it by Monday.

PARA · Opinion

Para expresses a personal opinion or perspective.

Para mí, es difícil. — For me, it's difficult.

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