“Por” and “para” are two prepositions in Spanish that often confuse students.

Generally speaking, we can translate “por” as “for”, “by”, or “because of”, whereas “para” means ‘for’ or ‘to’. But these simple translations often lead to even more confusion. If both prepositions mean “for” then when do we use “por” and when do we use “para”?

In this lesson, we’ll show you some easy rules to remember when to use “por” and “para”.

Let’s start with “para”.

Usage #1: destination 

Use “para” when you want to indicate the destination.  We also can often use the preposition “a” to refer to destination.  By comparison, “para” refers to a final destination. In this case, “para” translates as “to” in English, but also sometimes “for”, as in the last example below.

Usage #2: deadline

Use “para” to describe deadlines.   This is the only instance related to time frames where we use “para”.  “Para” translates as “for” in this context.

Usage #3: goals

Use “para” to show that something is a goal.  Usually, in English, we say something like “in order to” in this context.  Here, we often use “para” in conjunction with a verb in its infinitive form.

Usage #4: opinions

Use “para” when stating opinions. In English, we’d usually say something like “in my opinion…”, “I think…”, or “for me…” etc. Remember that after a preposition, you seldom use the personal subject pronouns “yo” and “tú”. Instead, use prepositional pronouns “mí” and “ti”.

Usage #5: for who, for what

Use “para” when you want to state who or what something is for. In this context, “para” translates as “for”.

In summary, use “para” for destinations, deadlines, goals, opinions, and for who or what something is for.

Now, let’s look at “por”.  As you’ll see, “por” has a variety of translations to English and more diverse usages in Spanish.

Usage #1: movement by, through, or around

We can use “por” to show movement by, through, or around a place. In all of these cases, it’s important to contrast to usage #1 for “para” (destination). With “por” we are not referring to a final destination, but rather going by, through, or around the place.

Usage #2: transportation & communication means 

We can use “por” to state how you get somewhere or how you communicate something to someone.  In this way, “por” refers to the means we use.  With transportation, you can often also use “en” instead of “por”.  In both cases of transportation and communication, “por” translates to “by”.

Usage #3: reasons

We can use “por” when you want to say the reason for something.  “Por” in this context translates to “because of” in English.   This usage shouldn’t be confused with usage #3: goals for “para”.  Just ask yourself, is X the reason why this is or isn’t happening? If yes, then use “por”.

Notice that in the last example, we might say in English “for you” instead of “because of you”. But what we mean is you are the reason I did it. It was because of you

Usage #4: frequency

We can use “por” to state how many times we do something. We can also use the preposition “a” + the definite article (al día, a la semana, al mes, etc.) to state time frequencies as well.

Usage #5: duration / non-specific time

One of the most common usages of “por” is to state a duration of time (for how many minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc.) or non-specific time (in the morning, afternoon, or night).  Do not confuse this usage with #2 for “para” (deadlines).  A simple way to remember is to always use “por” for time expressions unless talking about deadlines.

Usage #6: exchanges

Usually, when something is intended for someone or something we use ‘“para” (usage #5: for who, for what), except when we make exchanges, we use “por”.  We often exchange money using the phrase “pagar por”, but also we exchange thanks and apologies too.

In summary, we use “por” for movement by, through, or around a place, transport and communication means, reasons for doing something, time frequencies, duration and non-specific time periods, and finally, exchanges.

Expressions that must always use “por” or “para”

We have some expressions that must always use either “por” or “para”.  Here are the most common ones below.

Are you understanding the difference between “por” and “para” better? Take the ten-question por vs. para quiz to test your knowledge.

In this lesson, you’ve learned how to use “por” and “para” correctly.  Remember, we use “para” for destinations, deadlines, goals, opinions, and for who or what something is for.  On the other hand, we use “por” for movement, transport/communication, reasons for doing something, time frequencies, duration and non-specific time, and exchanges.  Haven’t reviewed other important Prepositions yet?  What about how to Ask and Give Personal Information? We’ve got posts on those subjects and many more too.