What is the difference between "por" and "para"?

Many people struggle with knowing when to you "por" and "para" as often they both translate to mean "for". There is no simple shortcut on learning when to use which other than learning the basic rules.
"Para" can be used to say "in order to" (e.g. voy a la gimnasia para mantenerme en forma), to show a destination (e.g. me fui para Madrid), to show the purpose of something (e.g. la tostadora es para pan), to show a recipient (e.g. este coche es para ti), to express a deadline (e.g. tengo que hacer mis deberes para mañana) and to show a contrast to what is expected (e.g. estás muy inteligente para alguien de tu edad).
Alternatively, "por" is used to express a means of transport (e.g. viajamos por avión), to express gratitude/an apology (e.g. gracias por su ayuda), to show frequency (e.g. juego al fútbol tres veces por semana), to express movement (e.g. andamos por la calle), to mean "on behalf of" someone (e.g. lo hice por ti), to express time (e.g. bailé por dos horas) and to express cause (e.g. el hombre murió por falta de agua).

Answered by Alice S. Spanish tutor

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