por vs para (basic)
por and para
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
Start with por for a cause or exchange and para for a purpose or recipient. Practice choosing what you mean by “for.”
por and para
para points to a goal or use: Estudio español para trabajar. El boli es para escribir. por often marks cause or exchange: Trabajo por dinero.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
To express a purpose before an infinitive, use para. A gift intended for someone uses para too. Por can explain why something happened or what you paid in exchange.
Abro la ventana para escuchar la lluvia.
I open the window to listen to the rain.
No salimos por la lluvia.
We are not going out because of the rain.
Este té es para mi madre.
This tea is for my mother.
Common mix-ups
For the intended recipient of this gift, use para ti. Por ti is also grammatical, but means because of you or on your behalf.
I bought a gift for you.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
I am learning Spanish in order to speak with your family.
Show one possible answer
Aprendo español para hablar con tu familia.
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
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