🔄 POR vs. PARA — What’s the Difference?
Both can mean “for”, but they’re used in different ways.
Let’s break it down:
✅ Use PARA when there is a destination or goal:
🎯 Purpose – Este regalo es para ti.
→ This gift is for you.
📦 Recipient – Trabajo para una empresa grande.
→ I work for a big company.
🕒 Deadline – La tarea es para mañana.
→ The homework is for tomorrow.
🎯 Goal / Intention – Estudia para ser doctor.
→ He studies to become a doctor.
📍 Destination – Salimos para España.
→ We’re leaving for Spain.
✅ Use POR to explain cause, movement, or exchange:
🚶 Movement (through) – Caminamos por el parque.
→ We walk through the park.
💵 Exchange – Pagué 10 euros por el libro.
→ I paid 10 euros for the book.
🔁 Reason / Because of – Lo hice por ti.
→ I did it because of you / for you.
⏳ Duration – Viví en Chile por 3 años.
→ I lived in Chile for 3 years.
📱 Means / Communication – Hablamos por teléfono.
→ We spoke on the phone.
🧠 QUICK TIP:
“Para” = goal or destination
“Por” = cause, movement, or exchange
✨ Still confused? Don’t worry, even native speakers mix them up sometimes haha,let’s practice together and make it feel natural!
