B1 Spanish GrammarPor vs. Para and Spatial Prepositions
Master the distinction between 'por' and 'para' - two of Spanish's most challenging prepositions. Learn when to use each for purpose, cause, direction, and time, plus other key spatial prepositions.
1Para: Purpose and Destination
Use 'para' for purpose (in order to), recipient (for someone), destination (headed to), deadline (by a time), and opinion (for me...). Think of 'para' as forward-looking: goals, destinations, and purposes ahead.
Uses of Para
| Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | para aprender | in order to learn |
| Recipient | para ti | for you |
| Destination | para Madrid | headed to Madrid |
| Deadline | para el lunes | by Monday |
Examples
Estudio español para trabajar en México.
I study Spanish to work in Mexico.
purpose
Este regalo es para mi madre.
This gift is for my mother.
recipient
Salimos para Barcelona mañana.
We leave for Barcelona tomorrow.
destination
Necesito el informe para el viernes.
I need the report by Friday.
deadline
2Por: Cause and Movement Through
Use 'por' for cause (because of), exchange (in exchange for), duration (for X time), movement through, means of communication, and per/each. Think of 'por' as backward-looking: causes, exchanges, and passing through.
Uses of Por
| Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | por el tráfico | because of traffic |
| Exchange | por 20 euros | for 20 euros |
| Duration | por dos horas | for two hours |
| Through | por el parque | through the park |
Examples
Llegué tarde por el tráfico.
I arrived late because of traffic.
cause
Compré el libro por diez euros.
I bought the book for ten euros.
exchange
Caminamos por el centro.
We walked through downtown.
movement through
Hablamos por teléfono.
We spoke by phone.
means
3Por vs. Para Contrasts
The same sentence can mean different things with por vs. para. Compare: 'trabajo por mi familia' (I work because of my family - they need me) vs. 'trabajo para mi familia' (I work for my family - they benefit). Context determines meaning.
Direct Comparisons
| Por | Para | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| por la mañana | para la mañana | during / by morning |
| por mi padre | para mi padre | because of / for him |
| por ti | para ti | on your behalf / for you |
| por tres días | para tres días | during / by 3 days |
Examples
Lo hice por ti.
I did it because of you / for your sake.
motivation
Lo hice para ti.
I did it for you (as a gift).
recipient
Voy por pan.
I'm going for bread (to get it).
to fetch
Voy para el centro.
I'm heading to downtown.
destination
4Other Spatial Prepositions
Beyond por/para, Spanish uses specific prepositions for location: 'en' (in/on/at), 'a' (to), 'de' (from), 'hacia' (toward), 'hasta' (until/up to), 'desde' (from/since). These express static position, direction, and origin.
Spatial Prepositions
| Preposition | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| en | location | en la mesa |
| a | direction | voy a casa |
| hacia | toward | hacia el norte |
| desde...hasta | from...to | desde aquí hasta allí |
Examples
El libro está en la mesa.
The book is on the table.
static location
Vamos a la playa.
We're going to the beach.
direction with a
Caminaron hacia el río.
They walked toward the river.
direction with hacia
Trabajo desde las ocho hasta las cinco.
I work from eight to five.
desde...hasta