Today, we will learn the differences between por and para. These two words are very often a source of confusion, as they can both be translated as for.

Here we’ll discuss some simple rules around the usage of por vs. para with examples

Uses of Para:

1. To indicate who or what something is for
   Example: This money is for buying a car = Este dinero es para comprar un carro
2. To indicate a time limit or deadline
   Example: The homework is for tomorrow = La tarea es para mañana
3. To indicate the purpose or goal
   Example: I study Spanish to speak with my hispanic friends = Estudio español para hablar con mis amigos hispanos
4. To talk about the use or function of any given object
   Example: These scissors are for cutting hair = Estas tijeras son para cortar el cabello
5. To indicate destination
   Example: We are going to leave for the airport at two = Vamos a salir para el aeropuerto a las dos
6. To express your opinion or point of view
   Example: It is too sweet for me = Es demasiado dulce para mí
7. To mean ‘in order to’
   Example: The famous song: Para bailar la bamba, necesita una poca de gracia which means In order to dance La Bamba, one needs little grace

So that sums up the key scenarios for using ‘para’

Let’s have a look at the usage of Por

1. To indicate that something happened within the boundaries of something, or through something
   Example: We walked through the beach = Caminamos por la playa
2. To indicate the means or manner
   Example: I will send the pictures through email = Enviaré las fotografías por email
3. Doing something for someone or on behalf of someone
   Example: I will go to the store for you = Iré a la tienda por tí
4. Duration of an action
   Example: We went to the beach for three days = Fuimos a la playa por tres días
5. To talk about exchanges
   Example: They bought a new house for 100,000 euros = Compraron una casa nueva por 100.000 euros

To learn more about the usage of por and para, and practice the same with interactive games visit http://culturealley.com/Spanish-Learn+Spanish-67%29+Learning+the+difference+between+por+and+para