What is the difference in use between 'por' and 'para'?

Unfortunately, there is no easy rule to known when to use 'para' and when to use 'por' - you just have to memorise the different situations in which they apply. These are the key scenarios/circumstances which you should try to memorise: Por Duration (time) e.g. ¿Por cuánto tiempo has vivido en Inglaterra? Expressing thanks e.g. Muchas gracias por tu regalo Travelling through a location e.g. Camino por el restaurante Price e.g. Pagaré veinte libras por esta camiseta'Per' e.g. Kilómetros por horaParaPurpose ("in order to") e.g. Necesito zapatos para correr Travelling to a destination (travelling in the direction of) e.g. Salgo para España Deadlines e.g. Tengo que terminar mis deberes para lunes Giving something to someone (intended recipient) e.g. Tu abuela tiene caramelos paraComparison e.g. Para un niño, él tiene mucha confianza "About to" (using 'estar') e.g. Están para llorar Giving a personal opinion e.g. Para mi, no es justo

AC
Answered by Angus C. Spanish tutor

1916 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I form the present subjunctive?


How do you know when do use the subjunctive?


¿como celebraste tu cumpleaños el año pasado?


Why doesn't 'gustarse' take the first person conjugation in Spanish?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning