POR y PARA Flashcards
Duration
talk about the length of time an activity went on for.
Tengo que trabajar por ocho horas hoy.
I need to work for eight hours today.
¿Dormiste por 12 horas? ¡Qué vida la tuya!
You slept for 12 hours? Lucky dog!
Goals
talk about goals and purposes. It’s especially common to see XX used with an infinitive to talk about why something is done.
Trabaja mucho para ganar más dinero.
He works a lot in order to earn more money.
Corro para mantenerme en forma.
I run to stay in shape.
Exchanges
talk about exchanges and trades.
Te cambio mi manzana por tu sandwich.
I’ll trade you my apple for your sandwich.
Te doy sesenta pesos por la mochila.
I’ll give you sixty pesos for that backpack.
Recipients
indicate the intended recipient of something, such as a gift.
Este regalo es para Adela.
This gift is for Adela.
No, Bruno. Estos chocolates no son para los perros.
No, Bruno. These chocolates aren’t for dogs.
Travel and Communication
talk about the way you travel or communicate. This can refer to mode of travel (car, train, etc.) or communication (email, phone, etc.) or even the route you take.
La contacté por correo.
I contacted her by mail.
Viajé por Francia y España.
I traveled through France and Spain.
¿Quieres pasar por el parque?
Do you want to go through the park?
Destinations
talk about physical destinations, especially the endpoint of a trip.
Salgo para Chile mañana.
I leave for Chile tomorrow.
¿ Para dónde vas con tanta prisa?
Where are you going in such a hurry?
Deadlines
talk about deadlines, including dates and times.
Necesito la presentación para el viernes.
I need the presentation by Friday.
Tengo que terminar esto para las ocho.
I need to finish this by eight o’clock.
Motivation
talk about motivations or reasons for doing something.
Por su amor a los niños, quiere ser pediatra.
Because of her love for children, she wants to be a pediatrician.
Trabajo por ti, porque te quiero cuidar.
I work for you, because I want to take care of you.
