What is the difference between "por", "en", "para", "pa'" in Spanish?

The English word 'by' has several translations in Spanish, and choosing the correct one depends heavily on the context. Understanding the nuances of 'por', 'en', 'para', and 'pa'' will help you communicate more accurately.

How to Say "by" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “by” is “por” — use 'por' when referring to the means of transportation or communication, or when indicating movement through or near a place..

por🔊A2/B1

Use 'por' when referring to the means of transportation or communication, or when indicating movement through or near a place.

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en🔊B1

Use 'en' specifically for modes of transportation when you are inside or on them, like traveling by car or by bus.

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para🔊A2

Use 'para' when 'by' indicates a deadline or a due date for something.

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pa'🔊B2

Use the informal contraction 'pa'' instead of 'para' in casual speech, often when 'by' refers to a deadline or purpose.

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English → Spanish

por

/por//poɾ/

prepositionA2/B1General

Use 'por' when referring to the means of transportation or communication, or when indicating movement through or near a place.

A person walking on a path through a park, illustrating 'por' for movement through a space.

Examples

Viajamos por avión.

We travel by plane.

Paseamos por la playa.

We walk along the beach.

El gato entró por la ventana.

The cat came in through the window.

¿Hay una farmacia por aquí?

Is there a pharmacy around here?

Movement in an Area

Use 'por' to talk about moving through, along, or around a place. It focuses on the journey or the general area, not the endpoint.

Passive Voice

'Por' is used to say who performed the action in a passive sentence. For example, 'El libro fue escrito por ella' (The book was written by her).

Using 'En' for Movement

Mistake: “A common mix-up is saying: 'Camino en el parque.'”

Correction: The correct phrase is: 'Camino por el parque.' Saying 'en el parque' means you are located *inside* the park (maybe sitting on a bench), while 'por el parque' describes the action of moving *through* it.

Using 'En' for Communication

Mistake: “Learners might say: 'Hablamos en teléfono.'”

Correction: The correct way is: 'Hablamos por teléfono.' Think of the phone as the channel *through which* your voice is traveling.

See full entry for “por” →

en

/en//en/

prepositionB1General

Use 'en' specifically for modes of transportation when you are inside or on them, like traveling by car or by bus.

A person riding a bicycle, showing 'en' used for mode of transport.

Examples

Siempre viajo en tren.

I always travel by train.

Por favor, habla en español.

Please, speak in Spanish.

Lo dijo en serio.

He said it seriously.

Describing 'How'

Besides location and time, 'en' can describe the method or manner. This is very common for modes of transport (en coche, en tren) where English uses 'by'.

Walking or Horseback

Mistake: “Voy en pie. / Voy en caballo.”

Correction: Voy a pie. / Voy a caballo. While most transportation uses 'en', for walking or riding a horse, you use 'a'.

See full entry for “en” →

para

/PAH-rah//ˈpaɾa/

prepositionA2General

Use 'para' when 'by' indicates a deadline or a due date for something.

A calendar page with a specific date circled in red and an arrow pointing to it, representing a deadline.

Examples

La tarea es para el lunes.

The homework is for (due on) Monday.

Necesito el informe para el viernes a las 5.

I need the report by Friday at 5.

Tengo que terminar esto para mañana.

I have to finish this by tomorrow.

Setting Deadlines

When you want to say when something is due, use 'para' followed by the day, date, or time.

Deadline vs. Duration

Mistake: “Estudié para tres horas.”

Correction: Estudié por tres horas. Use 'por' to talk about how long you did something (duration). Use 'para' for a future deadline.

See full entry for “para” →

pa'

/pah//pa/

contractionB2Informal

Use the informal contraction 'pa'' instead of 'para' in casual speech, often when 'by' refers to a deadline or purpose.

A close-up image showing a small, brightly wrapped red gift box being passed directly from one person's hand into the open palm of another person.

Examples

¿Tienes dinero pa' comprar eso?

Do you have money to buy that?

Voy pa' la casa de mi abuela.

I'm going to my grandma's house.

Esto es pa' ti, lo hice con cariño.

This is for you, I made it with love.

What 'pa' means

"Pa" is a quick, casual way of saying the preposition "para," which means "for," "to," or "in order to." Think of it like saying "gonna" instead of "going to" in English.

Use in Formal Settings

Mistake: “Escribir 'pa' en un ensayo o correo electrónico formal.”

Correction: Always use the full form 'para' in any written text or formal conversation. 'Pa' is strictly for quick, casual speaking.

See full entry for “pa'” →

Por vs. En for Transportation

The most frequent confusion is between 'por' and 'en' for transportation. While 'por' is common for general means (by plane, by email), 'en' is often preferred when you are physically inside the mode of transport (en tren, en coche). Pay attention to whether the focus is on the method itself or your presence within it.

Related Translations

for→during→in→on→to→along→around→at→

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