How to say “For” in Spanish: “Por” vs “Para”

In this article, we look into how to say “for” in Spanish. In general, both “por” and “para” can mean “for,” although in some other contexts, they can also mean “by,” “per,” “in order to,” “because of,” and some other meanings. The difference between “por” and “para” is often a challenge to many Spanish students.

There are a few rules that you need to follow and some expressions that you need to memorize. With practice, the difference becomes clearer. Let us take a look at some “por” and “para” practice examples to clarify the difference.

Por and Para Practice Examples

A. Uses of “Por”

1. To denote reason or motive, for example:

Llegaremos tarde por el tráfico.	We’ll be late because of* the traffic*.
Él murió por falta de agua.	He died due to a lack of water.

2. To denote duration, for example:

Te esperé por dos horas.	I waited for you for two hours.
Estaré en España por tres días.	I will be in Spain for three days.

3. To denote agency, usually meaning “by,” for example:

El libro fue escrito por un autor anónimo.	The book was written by an anonymous author.
Son amados por sus padres.	They are loved by their parents.

4. To denote equivalency or exchange, for example:

Cambié mi auto por otro nuevo.	I changed my car for a new one.
La harina cuesta dos dólares por kilo.	The flour costs two dollars per kilo.

5. To denote travel itinerary, usually meaning “through” or “by,” for example:

Quiero ir a Suiza por Italia.	I want to go to Switzerland through Italy.
¿A qué hora pasa el bus por mi parada?	What time does the bus pass by my stop?

6. To denote means of travel or communication, usually meaning “by” or “via,” for example:

Ellos viajaron por avión.	They traveled by plane.
Te voy a contactar por teléfono.	I am going to contact you by phone.

B. Uses of “Para”

1. To denote a goal or objective, usually meaning “in order to,” for example:

Trabajo para ganar dinero.	I work in order to earn money.
Voy a la universidad para estudiar.	I go to the university to study.

2. To denote destination or direction, for example:

El tren sale para Nueva York.	The train leaves for New York.
Viajaremos para Colombia.	We will travel to Colombia.

3. To denote the recipient of an object, for example:

Es para ti.	This is for you.
Este regalo es para mi amigo.	This gift is for my friend.

4. To denote a deadline, for example:

Tengo que hacerlo para mañana.	I have to do it by tomorrow.
Necesito terminar para las nueve.	I need to finish by 9 o’clock.

5. To denote an opinion, for example:

Para mí, es ridículo.	*For* me, it’s ridiculous.
Para ella, el fútbol no es divertido.	*For* her, soccer is not fun.

6. To denote the contrast of an idea, for example:

Para un niño, habla muy bien.	*For* a child, he speaks very well.
Tiene buena salud para su edad.	He’s in good health for his age.

Common Expressions with “Por” and “Para”

There are certain expressions that use “por,” such as:

por Dios	Oh my God!	por las dudas por si acaso	just in case
por favor	please	por ejemplo	for example
por suerte	luckily	por supuesto	of course
por ciento	percent	por tu culpa	because of you

and others that use “para,” such as:

para siempre	forever	para variar	just for a change
para colmo	to top it all	para empezar	for starters
para nada	not at all	para entonces	by then
para otra ocasión para otro momento	for another time	para que	so that

Por ti vs Para ti

Expressions like “para ti” or “para mí” often indicate the recipient of something, or the opinion of someone. In this context, “for” is the most common translation. For example:

Este regalo es para ti.	This gift is for* you.*
Para mí, no tiene sentido.	*For* me, it doesn’t make sense.

On the other hand, expressions like “por ti” or “por mí” indicate the meaning of “because of,” “on behalf of,” or “by” in most case. However, sometimes “for” is the best translation. Here are some examples:

Él hizo el trabajo por mí cuando estaba de vacaciones.	He did the work on my behalf* when I was on vacation.*
¿Esto fue escrito por ti?	Was this written by you?
Es por ti que lo olvidé.	It’s because of* you that I forgot.*
Deja de fumar por ti y por tu salud.	Stop smoking for* you and your health.*

Por siempre vs Para siempre

Both “para siempre” and “por siempre” mean “forever.” In everyday speech, you will notice that “para siempre” is more common, whereas “por siempre” is often used in written and poetic language as it also implies the more nuance meaning of eternal state of the lasting action. The word “siempre” alone means “always.”

The Royal Academy of the Spanish Language (RAE) approves of both expressions, but “para siempre” remains more commonly used in everyday language. The expression “por siempre y para siempre” can be thought of in a similar way to the English expression “forever and always.”

Check also the lesson in our Free Spanish Course on “Por” vs. “Para.”