Por vs Para Flashcards
Uses of para
Destination Deadline or a specific time in the future Goal (para + infinitive) Purpose (para + noun) Recipient (for) Comparison with others or opinion Employment
Destination (toward: in the direction of)
[Uses of Para]
El cirujano sale de su casa para la clínica a las ocho.
The surgeon leaves his house at eight to go to the clinic.
Deadline or a specific time in the future (by; for)
[Uses of Para]
El resultado del análisis va a estar listo para mañana.
The test results will be ready by tomorrow.
Goal (para + infinitive) (in order to)
[Uses of Para]
El doctor usó un termómetro para ver si el niño tenía fiebre.
The doctor used a thermometer to see if the boy had a fever.
Purpose (para + noun) (for; used for)
[Uses of Para]
El investigador descubrió una cura para la enfermedad.
The researcher discovered a cure for the disease.
Recipient (for)
[Uses of Para]
La enfermera preparó la cama para doña Angela.
The nurse prepared the bed for Doña Ángela.
Comparison with others or opinion (for; considering)
[Uses of Para]
Para su edad, goza de muy buena salud.
For her age, she enjoys very good health.
Employment (for)
[Uses of Para]
Mi hijo trabaja para una empresa farmacéutica.
My son works for a pharmaceutical company.
no estar para bromas
to be in no mood for jokes
no ser para tanto
to not be a big deal
para colmo
to top it all off
para que
so that
para que (lo) sepas
just so you know
para siempre
forever
Uses of por
Motion or a general location Duration of an action Reason or motive for an action Object of a search Means by which Exchange or substitution Unit of measure Agent (passive voice)
Motion or a general location (along; through; around by)
Uses of por
Me quebré la pierna corriendo por el parque.
I broke my leg running through the park.
Duration of an action (for; during; in)
Uses of por
Estuvo en cama por dos meses.
He was in bed for two months.
Reason or motive for an action (because of; on account of; on behalf of)
Uses of por
Rezó por su hijo enfermo.
She prayed for her sick child.
Object of a search (for; in search of)
El enfermero fue por un termómetro.
The nurse went to get a thermometer.
Means by which (by; by way of; by means of)
Consulté con el doctor por teléfono.
I consulted with the doctor by phone.
Exchange or Substitution (for; in exchange for)
Cambiamos ese tratamiento por uno nuevo.
We changed from that treatment to a new one.
Unit of measure (per; by)
Tengo que tomar las pastillas cinco veces por día.
I have to take the pills five times a day.
Agent (passive voice) (by)
La nueva política de salud pública fue anunciada por la prensa.
The new public health policy was announced by the press.
por ahora
for the time being
por allí/aquí
around there/here
por casualidad
by chance
por cierto
by the way
por dios!
for god’s sake!
por ejemplo
for example
por escrito
in writing
por eso
therefor; for that reason
por fin
finally
por lo general
in general
por lo menos
at least
por lo tanto
therefore
por lo visito
apparently
por más/mucho que
no matter how much
por otro lado/otra parte
on the other hand
por primera vez
for the first time
por si acaso
just in case
por supuesto
of course
