Comparative Grammar 2.8. “Por” vs “Para” in Spanish & Portuguese

In this comparative grammar lesson of Spanish and Portuguese, we study the difference between “por” and “para.” The difference between the prepositions “por” and “para” is challenging for most Spanish and Portuguese learners. There are a few rules that you need to follow and some expressions that you need to memorize. However, with practice, you can get this right. In general, both “por” and “para” can mean “for.” Nevertheless, in many contexts, they can also mean “by,” “per,” “in order to,” “because of,” and some other meanings. Let us take a look at some of these contexts.

Table of Contents

• Uses of “Por”
• Uses of “Para”
• Common Expressions with “Por” and “Para”
• Level II – Beginner

Uses of “Por”

• To denote reason or motive, for example:

• To denote duration, for example:

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

• To denote equivalency or exchange, for example:

• To denote travel itinerary, usually meaning “through,” for example:

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

Uses of “Para”

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

• To denote destination or direction, for example:

• To denote the recipient of an object, for example:

• To denote an opinion, for example:

• To denote the contrast of an idea, for example:

Common Expressions with “Por” and “Para”

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

and others that use “para,” such as:

Next: The Verb “To Be”: “Ser” vs. “Estar” in Spanish & Portuguese

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