Por vs. para
Para points toward a goal or destination. Por looks back at a cause, or covers a route, exchange or length of time.
Take the quizUse para for
Purpose: in order to
- Estudio para aprender.I study in order to learn.
Recipient
- Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.
Destination
- Salimos para La Habana.We're leaving for Havana.
Deadline
- La tarea es para el lunes.The homework is due Monday.
Opinion and comparison
- Para mí, es muy caro.For me, it's very expensive.
- Para su edad, es muy alto.For his age, he's very tall.
Use por for
Cause or reason
- Llegué tarde por el tráfico.I was late because of the traffic.
Movement through or along
- Caminamos por el malecón.We walked along the seawall.
Exchange or price
- Pagué diez dólares por la camisa.I paid ten dollars for the shirt.
Duration
- Viví allí por cinco años.I lived there for five years.
Means of communication or transport
- Te llamo por teléfono.I'll call you on the phone.
On behalf of
- Lo hice por mi madre.I did it for my mother's sake.
Agent in the passive voice
- La casa fue construida por mi abuelo.The house was built by my grandfather.
Set phrases with por
These are worth memorizing as units
- Por favor, ven.Please come.
- Por fin llegamos.We finally arrived.
- Por eso no fui.That's why I didn't go.
- Por ejemplo, el mango.For example, mango.
One sentence, two meanings
The choice can change what you're saying
- Trabajo para mi tío.I work for my uncle (he's my boss).
- Trabajo por mi tío.I'm working in my uncle's place.