POR Vs PARA

Learning the difference between por and para can be very difficult for some.  The main translation of both in English is for.  However por and para can have very different meanings.  The easiest way is to learn the reasons for using each one.

POR

Time

Por la mañana (in the morning), por la tarde (in the afternoon), por la noche (in the evening)

Transport  and Communication

Por avion (by plane), por coche (by car), por correo (by mail), por teléfono (by telephone)

Exchange

Voy a cambiar esto por eso  (I am going to change /exchange this for that).

Duration

Tengo que trabajar por cuatro horas (i have to work for 4 hours).

Movement

Por la ciudad (through the city)

Expressions

Por favor ( please), por fin (finally), por aquí (this way)

PARA

In order to

Para comer (in order to eat), para estudiar (in order to study)

Personal

Para ella (for her), para nosotros (for us)

Deadlines

Tengo que llegar para las cinco ( I have to arrive by 5).

Destination

¿ Para donde vas ? (where are you going ?)