What are the uses of Por and Para? Por & Para have many uses in Spanish and they may be translated in different ways. Sometimes as “for”, some other times as “in order to”, and other times… It’s not always very clear for the students how they work, Let’s clarify them by continuing with use #2 “Tiempo“.
#2 Tiempo: DEADLINE vs DURATION
Another use of “Para” is for “deadlines, closing dates, due dates, etc.” Going/Working towards a deadline.
While “Por” refers to “duration“, how long something lasts.
Examples:
PARA
Tengo que tener esto listo para mañana. I have to have this ready by tomorrow.
Quiero terminar este trabajo para la medianoche. I want to finish this task by midnight.
Lo necesitan listo para las 2 de la tarde. They need it ready by 2 pm.
Voy a tu casa por la tarde. I will go to your home during the afternoon.
We will stay in Paris for 3 days. Nos quedaremos en Paris por 3 días.
Me hablaron por 4 horas. They spoke to me for 4 hours.
