Vamos para la casa por el parque.
Let's go home through the park
Every single student of the Spanish language struggles with this. The question is 'When to use 'por' and when to use 'para'? Generally speaking both could mean 'for'.
But if you learn some basic tips of how to translate it or interpret it, then it will make your life easier.
Just remember, as I always remind my students, you can not always translate things literally. This is the case!
Check the table below for some basic tips.
You might also want to consider, if you could potentially say 'in order to', then it's definitely 'para'
POR | PARA |
Basically, "por" is used to express movement through time or space. This can be: | And "para" is generally used to convey destinations or end points. These can be: |
- A physical transition such as travelling Camino por el parque. (I walk through the park.) - Exchange Pago 5 euros por un libro. (I pay 5 euros in exchange for a book.) - Duration of time Voy a Barcelona por dos semanas. (I am going to Barcelona for two weeks.) - A motivation/reason for doing something Es un pueblo famoso por sus vinos. (It is a famous town because of its wine) | - Physical locations Mañana salgo para Madrid. (I leave for Madrid tomorrow.)
- People (recipients) Hay dos paquetes para ella. (There are two parcels for her.)
- Deadlines Necesito enviar los correos para mañana. (I need to send the emails by tomorrow) - Goals/ Purpose Tienes que salir ahora para llegar a tiempo. (You have to leave now to arrive on time.)
|
Vamos a practicar un poco: Let's practice a bit:
Can you tell what each example refers to according to the table above?
How much did you pay for the jacket?
¿Cuánto pagaste por la chaqueta?
Does this bus go to Madrid?
¿Este bus va para Madrid?
Does this bus stop in the shopping center?
¿Este bus pasa por el centro comercial?
I am learning Spanish to travel through South America for five months.
Estoy estudiando español para viajar por Sudamérica por cinco meses.
We need to finish the project by next week.
Necesitamos terminar el proyecto para la próxima semana.
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