Por vs para in Spanish: Using para (and not por) for purpose, goal or objective

Written by qualified Spanish expert Silvia Piriz BA
Last updated: 2022-09-16
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Por vs Para in Spanish

We use the preposition para (not por) to express a purpose, goal or objective. In this case, it is always followed by an infinitive. Read and listen to these examples:

Corro para estar en forma.I run in order to keep fit.

Habla para practicar el idioma.He speaks to practise the language.

Están ahorrando para comprar una casa.They are saving money in order to buy a house.

See also Using por (not para) to express the originating cause or reason

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Examples and resources

Están ahorrando para comprar una casa.They are saving money in order to buy a house.
Corro para estar en forma.I run in order to keep fit.
Voy a ir a la librería para comprar unos libros.I am going to the bookshop to buy some books.
Vienen para solucionar el problema.They're coming to fix the problem.
Habla para practicar el idioma.He speaks to practise the language.
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