Para VS Por
“para” and “por” can be confusing because both can be translated as “to” in English, so here are the list of usages of “para” and “por”
Para
To express purpose
Para pasar la clase, estoy estudiando mucho. In order to pass the class, I am studying a lot.
To express destination
Este avión sale para Bogotá, Colombia. This airplane goes to Bogota, Colombia.
To express deadlines
Vosotros tenéis que hacer tarea para el lunes. You guys need to do the homework by Monday.
To express one’s opinion
Para mí, lo importante es jugar fútbol. For me, playing football is very important.
Por
To express process
Viajaré por Los Ángeles para Argentina. I will travel to Argentine through Los Angeles.
To express duration
Ella estuvo en Europa por 2 meses este verano. She was staying in Europe for 2 months this summer.
To express object of an action
Fuimos por la comida. We went for the food.
To express reason
Por ti, él fue a Europa. Because of you, he went to Europe.
To express means
Recibí fotos por correo electrónico. I received pictures by email.
Some expressions with “por”.
Por eso that’s why
Por Dios for God’s sake
Por ejemplo for example
Por favor please
Por supuesto of course
Por fin finally
Por ahora for now etc…