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A1 Spanish Word Pair

Por vs Para: Two Ways to Say For

por vs para

1:00 min video · 3 sentences · 3 key words

Transcript with English

Hide the English to test yourself.
  1. Pago diez euros por las flores.I pay ten euros for the flowers.
  2. Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.
  3. Salimos para Madrid mañana.We leave for Madrid tomorrow.

About this lesson

Three short sentences show when to use por (reason, exchange) and para (purpose, destination, recipient). The viewer guesses the word before hearing it.

How to practise

  1. Before each example plays, pick the word that fits and say your answer out loud.
  2. Read the difference card, then repeat every example in the Te toca · Your turn pause.
  3. At the end, check the common mistake so you never make it again.

The difference: por vs para

  • por for, because of, in exchange for. Use for price, reason, or exchange.
  • para for, in order to, toward. Use for recipient, purpose, or destination.

Common mistake: Este regalo es por ti. ✗ · Este regalo es para ti. ✓ (A recipient of something needs para, not por.)

Which one fits?

Say the missing word out loud first, then open the answer.

  1. Pago diez euros ＿＿ las flores.

    por / para · Money exchanged for something bought

    Show the answer

    Pago diez euros por las flores.

    I pay ten euros for the flowers.

  2. Este regalo es ＿＿ ti.

    por / para · Gift given to a specific person

    Show the answer

    Este regalo es para ti.

    This gift is for you.

  3. Salimos ＿＿ Madrid mañana.

    por / para · Heading toward a destination city

    Show the answer

    Salimos para Madrid mañana.

    We leave for Madrid tomorrow.

Key words

SpanishEnglishLevel
porfor, because of, in exchange for
parafor, in order to, toward
regalogift

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