Por vs para
A2Grammar path · Lesson 41 of 86 · Stage A2 · Comparing and key words
English uses 'for' in many places where Spanish must choose between por and para, so this is a classic A2 stumbling block. Think of para as an arrow pointing forward: a purpose (para + infinitive), a recipient, a destination, a deadline. Por looks back or moves through: a cause, thanks (gracias por), a means, a route, a part of the day. The pattern is simple: preposition + noun, pronoun or infinitive. Quick test: if you can say 'in order to' or 'intended for', use para; if you mean 'because of' or 'through', use por.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
verbo + para + infinitivosustantivo + ser + para + personaverbo + por + sustantivo¿Por qué / Para qué + verbo?When to use it
Para: purpose and recipient
Use para for the goal of an action or the person something is meant for.
Para: destination and deadline
Para marks where you are heading or the point in time something is due.
Por: cause and means
Por explains why something happens or the means used to do it.
Signal words
Frequently asked questions
When do I use por and when para?
Para points forward: purpose, recipient, destination, deadline. Por gives a cause, a means, a route or a span of time.
Is it gracias por or gracias para?
Always gracias por, because thanks refer to a reason: Gracias por todo.
What is the difference between por qué and para qué?
Por qué asks for the reason (why), while para qué asks for the purpose (what for).
Is 'in the morning' por la mañana or para la mañana?
Use por la mañana for a part of the day. Para la mañana is only for a deadline, like something due by the morning.
Which word means 'in order to' before a verb?
Use para + infinitive: Ahorro para comprar un carro.