Discuss the Article : Expressions With Por And Para
Aside from the ever talked-about “ser” and “estar”, learn about “por” and “para”, which require equal dedication in time and attention in order to master the differences between the two.
Por vs. Para can, indeed, be a complicated subject. However, in my classes (beginner to intermediate) my focus was on the quickest way to communication and I decided to forgo the three pages of instruction found in our textbook. I condensed por vs. para into three rules! These are English-speaking children and they had no problem with "por" when it meant: "by, through, along, per.". The confusion came with the meaning "for" which both "por" and "para" translate in English.
Use POR to express:
a. In exchange for (Te doy $10 por el libro.)
b. On behalf of (Enrique no pudo hacerlo, así que lo hice por él.)
c. A period of time (Estudiamos por 3 horas.)
Use PARA for ALL other meanings of "for". Examples:
For an old man, Mr. García is very active. Para viejo, Sr. García es muy activo.
I made this gift for you. Yo fabriqué este regalito para ti.
Salimos para Granada a las 9:00. We left for Granada at 9:00.
This doesn't cover ALL the uses of "por" and "para" and is somewhat short on specifics. However, it covers (in my estimation) 80% to 90% of everyday communication needs and doesn't overwhelm beginning students.
Clara
Como siempre, muy interesante. En francés, normalmente por=par y para=pour; pero, evidentemente hay ‘excepciones’. Cuatro inversiones en la lista.
¡Aquí son las trampas!
Gracias por sus ejemplos.
