The use of  “PARA” and “POR” in Spanish is sometimes confusing because both  can  be  traslated as “FOR”

Here you will find a trick between some of the uses  of   “PARA” and “POR”

 

PARA  –> purpose – goal

The use of  PARA in Spanish is related to the PURPOSE or  GOAL.

As a rule the PURPOSE are related with the FUTURE.

 

Example: 

Juan- ¿Por qué estudias español?

Paul- Para encontrar una novia española (Paul doesn’t have  a Spanish girlfriend at this moment but  he wants to find one in the future. That is why he is learning Spanish) 

 

POR –> cause

The use of POR is related with the CAUSE or REASON why we do something.

As a rule the CAUSE or REASON are related to the PRESENT.

 

Example: 

Juan- ¿Por qué estudias español?

Paul- Por mi novia. Ella es española.   (Paul already has a Spanish girlfriend that is why he is learning Spanish) 

 

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