The following chart shows some of the major uses of these two prepositions.
Uses for por:
Expressing movement along, through, around, by or about: Anduve por las calles de la ciudad. I walked through the streets of the city.
Denoting a time or duration when something occurs. Viajamos por tres semanas. We're traveling for three weeks.
Expressing the cause not the purpose) of an action: Me caí por la nieve. I fell down because of the snow.
Meaning per: Dos por ciento.Two percent.
Meaning supporting or in favor of: Trabajamos por derechos humanos. We work for human rights.
Introducing the agent of an action after a passive verb: Fue escrito por Bob Woodward. It was written by Bob Woodward.
Indicating means of transportation: Viajaré por avión. I will travel by plane.
Used in numerous expressions: Por ejemplo. For example. Por favor. Please.
Uses for para:
Meaning for the purpose of or in order to: Para bailar la bamba, necesita una poca de gracia. In order to dance the bamba you need a little grace.
With a noun or pronoun as object, meaning for the benefit of or directed to: Es para usted. It's for you.
Meaning to or in the direction of when referring to a specific place: Voy para Europa. I'm heading to Europe.
Meaning by or for when referring to a specific time: Necesito el regalo para mañana. I need the gift for tomorrow. Vamos a la casa de mi madre para el fin de semana. We're going to my mother's for the weekend.
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