6.3 Por vs. Para

Two words for 'for'

Both por and para can translate as 'for,' but they aren't interchangeable. Para points to a goal, destination, or deadline; por points to a cause, exchange, duration, or means.

Uses of PARA

Para = purpose/goal ('Estudio para aprender'), recipient ('un regalo para ti'), destination ('Salgo para Madrid'), deadline ('para el lunes').

Uses of POR

Por = cause/reason ('Gracias por tu ayuda'), exchange ('Pagué diez dólares por el libro'), duration ('por dos horas'), means ('por teléfono'), movement through ('por el parque').

Key terms

para

goal, destination, recipient, deadline

por

cause, exchange, duration, means, through

para example

Estudio para aprender (in order to learn)

por example

Gracias por tu ayuda (for your help)

Quick test

para → aim/target; por → reason/exchange/motion through

Try an AP-style question

"Este regalo es ___ ti."

1. de
2. en
3. por
4. para