Para & Por Unveiled

I know, I know! These two little bratz are always a nuisance and it´s like going thru hell and back trying to figure out which is the right one. When you think you´ve got them, the wrong one always comes around to mock you. Well not anymore.

This post is divided in two parts for easier access and comprehension. First we will take a look at Para and in the second part we will go over Por.

One important thing to bear in mind is that Por & Para not only stand for the equivalent in English "for", so look closely at the examples provided.



Para...



PURPOSE (for - to)

Necesita una mesa para estudiar.
He needs the table to study.

Es un buen libro para leer.
It is a good book to read.

Quiero el dinero para ir al cine.
I want the money to go to the movies.

Fui a la tienda para comprar pan.
I went to the store to buy bread.



DESTINATION -in space- (for - over)

Salimos para Europa.
We left for Europe.

Ven para acá.
Come over here.



DESTINATION -in time, deadline- (by)

La composición es para el lunes.
The composition is due on Monday.



INTENDED RECIPIENT (for)

Hice la comida para ti.
I cooked the meal for you.

Escribí el resumen para la profesora de español.
I wrote the summary for the Spanish professor.



EMPLOYMENT (for)

Juan trabaja para su hermano.
Juan works for his brother.

Daniel trabaja para Nieto y Cia.
Daniel works for Nieto & Co.