Por vs. Para: Cause vs. Purpose

The Core Difference: Cause vs. Purpose

The easiest way to think about por vs. para is to see por as the reason or cause for something (looking backward), and para as the purpose or goal of something (looking forward).

When to Use PARA (The Goal)

Think of para as pointing towards a destination, a deadline, a recipient, or a purpose. A useful acronym is P.E.R.F.E.C.T.

• Purpose (in order to + verb): Estudio para aprender. (I study in order to learn.)
• Effect/Goal: Hago ejercicio para estar sano. (I exercise to be healthy.)
• Recipient: Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you.)
• Future Deadline: La tarea es para el viernes. (The homework is for Friday.)
• Employment: Trabajo para una empresa de tecnología. (I work for a tech company.)
• Comparison/Opinion: Para mí, el español es hermoso. (For me, Spanish is beautiful.)
• Towards a Destination: Salimos para la playa. (We are leaving for the beach.)

When to Use POR (The Cause/Motive)

Think of por as explaining the journey, the reason, the exchange, or the means. A useful acronym is A.T.T.R.A.C.T.E.D.

• Around a place (general location): Caminamos por el parque. (We walked through/around the park.)
• Through a place: El ladrón entró por la ventana. (The thief entered through the window.)
• Transportation/Communication: Viajamos por tren. / Hablamos por teléfono. (We travel by train. / We talk by phone.)
• Reason or motive: Lo hice por amor. (I did it because of/for love.)
• After (as in 'going to get something'): Voy a la tienda por pan. (I'm going to the store for bread.)
• Cost or exchange: Pagué $20 por la camiseta. (I paid $20 for the t-shirt.)
• Thanks/Apology: Gracias por la ayuda. (Thanks for the help.)
• Exact duration: Estudié por dos horas. (I studied for two hours.)
• Doing something on behalf of someone: Trabajé por mi colega porque estaba enfermo. (I worked for/on behalf of my colleague because he was sick.)

A Note on Expressions You Might See:

While reading, you'll encounter fixed expressions that don't follow these rules perfectly, like por ejemplo (for example) or por favor (please). Don't worry about memorizing them all now. This drill will focus only on the main rules above to build your confidence!