Por vs Para: Two Small Words, Two Big Differences

Por and para often both translate as "for". They are used for different ideas.

Para: purpose, goal, destination

Use	Example
Purpose	Estudio para aprender. I study in order to learn.
Recipient	Este regalo es para ti. This gift is for you.
Destination	Salgo para Madrid. I'm leaving for Madrid.
Deadline	Es para mañana. It's due tomorrow.
Opinion	Para mí, es fácil. For me, it's easy.
Employment	Trabajo para una empresa. I work for a company.

Por: cause, exchange, route, duration

Use	Example
Reason	Lo hice por ti. I did it because of you.
Exchange	Pagué diez euros por el libro. I paid ten euros for the book.
Through, along	Paseamos por el parque. We walked through the park.
Duration	Estudié por dos horas. I studied for two hours.
By means of	Hablamos por teléfono. We talked by phone.
Times of day	por la mañana, in the morning
Per	cien kilómetros por hora, 100 km per hour

Fixed expressions

• por favor, please
• por ejemplo, for example
• por fin, at last
• por eso, that's why
• para siempre, forever

A minimal pair

• Trabajo por mi padre. I work on behalf of, or in place of, my father.
• Trabajo para mi padre. I work for my father (he is my employer).

A quick test

• If you can say "in order to", use para.
• If you can say "because of" or "through", use por.

Tips

1. Para looks forward to a goal.
2. Por looks back at a cause.
3. Use the dictionary to check phrases.

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