Difference Between Por and Para

Last Updated : Sep 6, 2022 / By Sandeep Bhandari / Fact Checked / 4 mins

Por vs Para

The main difference between Por and Para is that the word Por is used 'by someone' whereas the word Para is used 'for someone.’' This can be explained via the help of examples given below –

In English – This house was built by my father.

In Spanish – Esta casa fue construida por mi padre

In English – I work for an MNC company.

In Spanish - Trabajo para una empresa multinacional

It talks about the duration of the work is done about its progress, or how long something would last. It also refers to the reason something happened behind any action performed. Let us consider an example for simple understanding 

In English - I am taking French lessons because of my job.

In Spanish - Estoy tomando lecciones de francés por mi trabajo

It also focuses on the future set deadlines and commitments, highlights the embarking journey and the final destination in the statement. Let's look at the example given below – 

In English - I need to finish my homework by Wednesday.

In Spanish - Necesito terminar mi tarea para el miércoles

Comparison Table Between Por and Para

Parameters of Comparison	Por	Para
Goal	It is used in the statement where any reason is given.	It is used when any purpose is to be highlighted.
Location	It is used when someone is said to be traveling.	It is used when someone has reached his/her final destination.
Time	It is used for the given duration.	It is used for mentioning deadlines.
Used When	It is used ‘by someone.’	It is used ‘for someone.’
Action	Incomplete	About to occur

What is Por?

As discussed above earlier, where and when the term Por is used, let's go through in brief with some of the examples so far. The term is basically used in referencing four major fields – 

• Travel and Communication – For this, Por is used to refer to how someone traveled and the way someone is communicating. Travelling can be either way bus, train, airplane, etc., or the mode of communication may also vary telephonic, letters, etc. Consider the example given below – 

In English – I contacted him by phone.

In Spanish - Lo contacté por teléfono

• Exchanging – The term also refers to the trades and exchanges which take place around. For example –

In English – I will give you 100 bucks for the purse.

In Spanish - Te daré 100 dólares por el bolso 

• Duration – It refers to how long the task has been performed. Given below is the example – 

In English – I slept for 5 hours in the evening.

In Spanish - Dormí 5 horas por la noche

• Motivation – It is used to refer to any reason behind the work done. Consider the following example –

In English – I wanted to learn German because it is important for my job. 

In Spanish – Quería aprender alemán por que es importante para mi trabajo

What is Para?

As discussed above, the use of the term Para in the sentences. Given below is a brief description with the referred contexts and examples. Below are the four places where mainly the term Para is used – 

• Goals – It is used to refer to any purpose or goal for why the task is performed. For example – 

In English – I exercise to stay fit.

In Spanish - Hago ejercicio para mantenerme en forma

• Recipients – It is used to dignify anything which is received as a gesture, like a gift. Below is the given an example -  

In English – This gift is for Andrew.

In Spanish – Este regalo es para Andrew.

• Destination – It talks about the final destination of someone. Consider the following example – 

In English – I leave for my home tomorrow.

In Spanish – Me marcho para mi casa mañana.

• Deadlines – It signifies any date or time for work or task to be completed. Consider the example – 

In English – I need the reports to be completed by Thursday.

In Spanish – Necesito que los informes estén completos para el jueves.

Main Differences Between Por and Para

1. Por is majorly used in the statement refereeing 'by someone' while Para is used in the statement referring 'for someone.'
2. Por talks about any incomplete action or tasks, whereas Para talks about the actions which are going to happen. 

Conclusion

The Spanish language has always been a popular language among students. Both the terms Por and Para are used with different references and meanings. The terms change their meaning with the motive or with the type of the statement.

Por is used in statements projecting a reason behind something or why is it happened, in denoting someone is traveling across somewhere, talks about the time duration for the completion of some work, it also denotes any incomplete action, and the main reason for the distinguishing it from Para is that it is used in the statement where something is done 'by someone.'

While in contrast, Para is used in the statements where any purpose of doing something is to be told, where any final destination is to be revealed, the deadline of the works, any action which is about to happen, and majorly used in the statement proposed 'for someone.'

References

1. http://www.mpsp.mp.br/portal/page/portal/documentacao_e_divulgacao/doc_biblioteca/bibli_servicos_produtos/bibli_boletim/bibli_bol_2006/RPro_n.246.08.PDF