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).

AS
Answered by Alice S. Spanish tutor

2754 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain what learning foreign languages means to you: describe when you started learning, how you prefer to learn and how this will be useful for you in the future


What's the difference between the Imperfect and Preterite tense?


What is an easy way to remember how to form the imperfect subjunctive?


You just had a fight with your best friend about a boy and you write your feelings in your diary


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning