If you’re learning Spanish, chances are you’ve struggled with «por» and «para». Don’t worry — you’re not alone! These two words can be confusing because they both translate to «for» in English sometimes, but they are not interchangeable.

This guide will teach you clearly, practically, how to understand and use «por» and «para» correctly.
Let’s dive right in!

 

Let’s look at situations where you could easily confuse them, and how to pick the right one.

 

1. Talking About Work or Purpose

Trabajo para ganar dinero. (I work to earn money)
➡ Focus: Goal (earning money) → Para

Trabajo por necesidad. (I work because of necessity)
➡ Focus: Cause (necessity) → Por

Tip:
If you’re talking about why you are working (the cause), use por.
If you’re talking about what for (the goal), use para.

 

2. Talking About Movement

Voy para el parque. (I’m going toward the park)
➡ Focus: Destination → Para

Camino por el parque. (I walk through the park)
➡ Focus: Movement within/through → Por

Tip:
If your movement has a clear destination, use para.
If you are just moving around, use por.

 

3. Expressing Gratitude or Doing Something for Someone

Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you)
➡ Focus: Recipient (future destination of the gift) → Para

Lo hice por ti. (I did it because of you / on your behalf)
➡ Focus: Cause or motive → Por

Tip:
If it’s about giving something to someone, use para.
If it’s about doing something because of someone or instead of someone, use por.

 

4. Deadlines and Time Spent

La tarea es para mañana. (The homework is due for tomorrow)
➡ Focus: Deadline (future goal) → Para

Estudié por tres horas. (I studied for three hours)
➡ Focus: Duration (time spent) → Por

Tip:
If it’s a deadline or something due, use para.
If it’s the length of time something happened, use por.

 

5. Talking About Exchange or Purpose

Pagué cien dólares por el teléfono. (I paid a hundred dollars for the phone)
➡ Focus: Exchange → Por

Este teléfono es para llamar a mis amigos. (This phone is for calling my friends)
➡ Focus: Purpose → Para

Tip:
If you’re talking about giving something to get something, use por.
If you’re explaining what something is used for, use para.

 

Comparison Table

If you’re saying…	Use…	Example
In order to (purpose/goal)	para	Estudio para viajar.
Because of (reason/cause)	por	Estudio por mi futuro.
Toward a destination	para	Estoy caminando para la playa.
«Through a place»	por	Estoy caminando por el bosque.
«Deadline»	para	el proyecto es para el lunes.
«Time duration»	por	Trabajé por cinco horas.
«In exchange for»	por	Compré el boleto por 10 dólares.
«Recipient»	para	Esto es para ti.

 

Practice: Which One Fits?

Try to decide whether to use por or para:

El libro es ___ Ana.

Caminamos ___ la ciudad.

Gracias ___ todo.

Trabajo ___ pagar mis estudios.

Este dinero es ___ tu viaje.

Viajamos ___ avión.

 

Answers:

para (recipient).

por (movement through).

por (reason).

para (goal).

para (purpose).

por (means of transport).

 

The more you practice seeing the difference in focus, the more natural it will become. Contrast is the key to mastering «por» and «para»!