por vs para (B1)
duration, route, deadline, recipient
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
Use por and para for routes, deadlines, duration, and working on someone else's behalf. Build on the basic cause-and-purpose distinction.
duration, route, deadline, recipient
por often marks duration, route, or exchange: por tres días, por la calle, por diez euros. para marks a deadline, destination, or recipient: para el lunes, para Madrid, para ti.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
Por can describe a route or substitution; para can mark a deadline or intended destination. For duration, durante or a time phrase without a preposition is also common; por varies by region and context.
Pasamos por Sevilla de camino a Cádiz.
We passed through Seville on the way to Cádiz.
Necesito las llaves para el jueves.
I need the keys by Thursday.
Trabajo para una librería, y hoy trabajo por Ana.
I work for a bookshop, and today I am working in Ana's place.
Common mix-ups
Use para trabajar to state the purpose of the trip. Por trabajar can express a cause in a different context.
I am going to Madrid to work.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
The package is for Ana and must be ready by Friday. Use para for both relationships.
Show one possible answer
El paquete es para Ana y tiene que estar listo para el viernes.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice Spanish grammar in context
Fabling builds stories and podcast lessons around your vocabulary, interests, and learning progress.
Your first personalized story is free. No card needed.