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This lesson explains the Spanish prepositions 'por' and 'para', focusing on 'por' for cause, means, and duration (e.g., por Internet, por dos semanas) and 'para' for purpose, recipient, and destination (e.g., para comprar, para los turistas).
  1. "Por" can express cause, motive, reason, and duration of an action.
  2. "Para" can express the intention, end or purpose of an action; it indicates the recipient and the direction to a destination.
Preposición (Preposition)Uso (Use)Ejemplo (Example)
PorCausa (Cause)Hemos cancelado la excursión por el mal tiempo. (We have cancelled the excursion due to the bad weather.)
Medio (Medium)Hemos reservado el vuelo por Internet. (We have booked the flight online.)
Duración (Duration)Hemos viajado por dos semanas a España. (We have traveled for two weeks to Spain.)
ParaFinalidad (Purpose)He llamado a la agencia para comprar un billete. (I have called the agency to buy a ticket.)
Destinatario (Recipient)Este mapa ha sido para los turistas. (This map has been for the tourists.)
Dirección (Address)El autobús ha salido para el aeropuerto a las 8 AM. (The bus has left for the airport at 8 AM.)

Exercise 1: Las preposiciones "Por" y "Para"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

por, para

1.
Este mapa es ... el guía turístico.
(This map is for the tour guide.)
2.
Han cancelado la reserva ... problemas técnicos.
(They have canceled the reservation due to technical problems.)
3.
He comprado un billete ... viajar mañana.
(I have bought a ticket to travel tomorrow.)
4.
Han cancelado la excursión ... la lluvia.
(They have cancelled the excursion due to the rain.)
5.
Vamos a Madrid ... el trabajo.
(We are going to Madrid for work.)
6.
Tengo planes ... viajar a París el próximo mes.
(I have plans to travel to Paris next month.)
7.
El servicio está cancelado ... todos los turistas mañana.
(The service is cancelled for all tourists tomorrow.)
8.
Vamos ... la oficina de turismo a preguntar sobre las excursiones.
(Let's go to the tourist office to ask about the excursions.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the preposition "por" or "para" in each case.

1.
"Para" is not correct here, because it does not indicate the means but the purpose or recipient.
The article "the" is not used with "Internet" in this context; the correct form is without the article.
2.
"Para" should not be followed by "at" to express destination.
"Por" indicates route or cause, not destination, so it is incorrect in this sentence.
3.
"Para" should not be followed by "to" when indicating a recipient.
"Por" expresses cause or reason, not recipient, so it is incorrect here.
4.
The expression "to for" is not correct in standard Spanish and does not make sense here.
"Para" does not indicate duration or route; it is incorrect in this context.

Understanding the Spanish Prepositions "Por" and "Para"

This lesson focuses on two essential Spanish prepositions: "por" and "para". Both are used to link parts of a sentence, but each serves different purposes and appears in distinct contexts. Mastering their usage is crucial for expressing ideas clearly and correctly in Spanish at the A2 level.

Uses of "Por"

"Por" is commonly used to indicate:

  • Cause or reason: Explaining why something happens or is done.
    Example: Hemos cancelado la excursión por el mal tiempo.
  • Medium or means: Describing the way or channel through which an action takes place.
    Example: Hemos reservado el vuelo por Internet.
  • Duration: Specifying the length of time an activity lasts.
    Example: Hemos viajado por dos semanas a España.

Uses of "Para"

"Para" is used to express:

  • Purpose or intention: Indicating the goal or reason why an action is performed.
    Example: He llamado a la agencia para comprar un billete.
  • Recipient: Denoting for whom something is intended.
    Example: Este mapa ha sido para los turistas.
  • Destination or direction: Showing the final direction or endpoint of a movement.
    Example: El autobús ha salido para el aeropuerto a las 8 AM.

Important Notes on Usage

While both prepositions may seem similar, confusing them changes the sentence's meaning. For instance, "por" often refers to general reasons, means, or time spans, while "para" relates more to specific goals, destinations, or recipients.

Spanish does not always follow English prepositional usage directly. For example, the English phrase "through the park" might use por in Spanish, but the preposition choice depends on context. Furthermore, note that in expressions involving por Internet, the article "el" is omitted, differing from some possible English literal translations.

Practical Vocabulary Highlights

  • Causa – cause, reason
  • Medio – means, medium
  • Duración – duration
  • Finalidad – purpose, goal
  • Destinatario – recipient
  • Dirección – direction, destination

Comparing to English

In English, "for" and "by" can sometimes correspond to Spanish "para" and "por," respectively, but direct translations can cause mistakes. For example, "by the Internet" translates to "por Internet," not "para Internet." Also, Spanish requires specific constructions without extra articles where English might use them, such as omitting "the" before Internet in certain uses.

This lesson helps learners distinguish these subtle but important differences to improve their Spanish communication effectively.

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