If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to say por or para, you’re not alone. This week at Spanish Foundations, we’re diving into one of the most nuanced distinctions in Spanish grammar: how to express why we do things and what we’re aiming for.
🔹 The Core Difference
Para points forward—toward a goal, destination, or intended result. Think: in order to, for the benefit of, headed toward
Por points backward—to the cause, motive, or method. Think: because of, by, through, in exchange for
🔹 Examples
Para (Goal):
Trabajo para tener dinero. → I work in order to have money.
Este regalo es para Dolores. → This gift is for Dolores.
Estudio para hablar con mi familia. → I study to speak with my family.
Por (Cause or Means):
Trabajo por Dolores. → I work because of Dolores.
Pago diez dólares por el libro. → I pay ten dollars for the book.
Andamos por el bosque. → We walk through the forest.
🔹 Tip
If you’re expressing why you do something, ask yourself:
Is it a goal? Use para.
Is it a reason or method? Use por.
Try this:
Salgo para tomar café. → I go out to drink coffee.
Salgo por café. → I go out because of coffee.
🔹 Practice Challenge
Can you complete these sentences?
Estudio español ______ hablar con mi familia.
Gracias ______ tu ayuda.
Este libro es ______ la clase.
Caminamos ______ el parque.
Lo hago ______ amor.
(Answers: para, por, para, por, por)
~ Camellia
