Prepositions Flashcards
De
From
En
At; in
A
to, at, from
Con
with
Por
Expresses reason or cause: This is the most frequent use of “por.” It translates to “because of” or “due to” when explaining the reason behind something.
Estudio por mi futuro. (I study because of my future.)
Lo hizo por ti. (He did it because of you.)
Means of transportation or communication: “Por” indicates the way in which something is done, often related to movement or communication.
Viajo por avión. (I travel by plane.)
Te contacté por correo electrónico. (I contacted you by email.)
Duration: “Por” expresses the length of time something takes.
Trabajé por cinco horas. (I worked for five hours.)
Exchange or substitution: “Por” can indicate an exchange or substitution between things.
Te cambio mi libro por el tuyo. (I’ll exchange my book for yours.)
Expresses personal opinion (informal): In informal contexts, “por” can sometimes express a personal opinion, similar to “in my opinion” or “to me.”
Por mí, puedes quedarte. (For me, you can stay.)
Para
Para:
Expresses purpose or goal: This is the key use of “para.” It translates to “for” or “in order to” when indicating the purpose or goal of an action.
Estudio para aprender español. (I study in order to learn Spanish.)
Ahorro dinero para las vacaciones. (I save money for the vacation.)
Recipient or beneficiary: “Para” indicates the intended recipient or beneficiary of something.
Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you.)
Cociné para toda la familia. (I cooked for the whole family.)
Deadline: “Para” can also indicate a deadline or specific point in time.
Necesito el informe para mañana. (I need the report by tomorrow.)
Direction or destination: Less commonly, “para” can indicate direction or destination similar to “to” in specific contexts.
Vamos para la playa. (We are going to the beach.)
Here are some additional tips to remember the difference:
**Think of “por” as explaining why something happens, and “para” as explaining what it happens for.
Sobre
about, on, over
Entre
Between
Sin
Without
Desde
From or since (e.g., I come from the city or I have been studying Spanish for a long time)
Hasta
Until; up to
Durante
During
Hacia
Toward; approximate time or location
Ante
Before
Contra
Against