THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
Por and Para
Por and Para... What's the difference? How do we know when to use each one? That's exactly what we're going to discuss in today's video... the difference between Por and Para!
Video Lesson
Activate [SUBTITLES] in English
TRANSCRIPTION
Has this ever happened to you before?
Philly: "Caminamos ____ el parque." Do we use "por" or "para"? Angel: The answer is "para". We walk TO the park. Demonio: ¡Puh-LEASE! The answer clearly is "por". We walk THROUGH the park. Angel: My son, the answer is "para". We use "para" when we talk about direction. Demonio: Look, doofus. The answer is that we use "por" when we're talking about an approximate area. So what's the right answer? When do we use "por" and when do we use "para"? Well, in this lesson we're going to learn the differences between por and para and when to use each one. Let's go! Well guys, you should know that there are many uses of por and para and we're not going to learn them all now. This video is only to teach the main differences between the two. In another video we will see more in depth all uses. For now you just have to know the basics.
In general "por" refers to the cause or mode of something. Think of "por" as the way. It is an approximation of a time or space. "Por" is used to refer to the receiver or goal. Think of "para" as the final destination or a more accurate point. Let's see some examples. (1.) TIME
When we're talking about time, we use "POR" to give an approximate estimation of when something happens.
We also use "POR" to talk about frequency.
And we also use "POR" with duration.
See how with "por" we're talking about a phase or period of time? But with "PARA" normally we're talking about a specific moment and not a time period. For example, we use "para" to state a deadline. It's used to talk about a particular date, like in the cases of:
(2.) SPACE / PLACE
Well guys, we just talked about time. Now we're going to talk about place and physical space. We use "POR" to talk about the path or route that we take, like in the cases of:
Meanwhile we use "PARA" to talk about the final destination.
We also use "POR" when we talk about an approximate or general space or area. For example:
(3.) CAUSE & GOAL
Difference number 3 between "por" and "para": cause and goal. We use "POR" to say what is the cause or the motivation that originally provoked or triggered an action or event. It tells you what's the reason that something has happened. For example:
Meanwhile we use "PARA" to say what the goal or objective is that we want to achieve in the future.
Instead of saying "POR", you can think of "por" as an abbreviation for "por causa de". For example:
We can also think of "POR" as an abbreviation for "en lugar de". (in place of). Let's compare the differences.
Meanwhile we use "PARA" to state the recipient of an action or gift.
Let's review the difference between cause and goal. Choose "por" or "para" in the following two sentences:
(4.) OTHER USES
And a couple final notes: "POR" can also be used with price, rate, exchange, and substitution.
And we use "POR" to say the mode, tool, or author that is used to complete an objective or action.
Now to finish up the lesson, let's return to our dilemma from the beginning of the video. In the sentence, "Caminamos ____ el parque," should we use "por" or "para"? The good news is that there is no wrong answer. We can use either one, but meaning of the sentence changes.
Another example with a change of meaning is:
Well guys, if you want more practice with "por" and "para", look at the description below to do more practice exercises. In a later lesson, you can practice a conversation with me using "por" and "para". So guys, see you in the next lesson. Bye! Quick Summary
(1.) TIME
Por
Approximate moment when something happens
Para Deadline
(2.) PLACE / SPACE
Por
Path or route
Para Final destination
(3.) CAUSE / GOAL
Por
Cause or motivation that originally provoked or triggered an event or action
Para Goal or objective you want to achieve in the future
(4.) OTHER USES
Por Price, rate, exchange, or substitution
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