<p>I can't seem to find good person to ask this so here it goes. It's sorta basic but I really am confused a lot by this.</p>
<p>When do you use "para" and when do you use "por"? I know there are different occasions you use them but I really don't know how to distinguish between them easily. Anyone can help me? Thanks.</p>
<p>A basic review book from the library should to clear up all doubts.</p>
<p>or, since this is 2007...google :) there are lots of good review and practice sites. just something you gotta learn, by trial and error sometimes</p>
<p>Well yeah above options are obvious. Since I'm in CollegeConfidential forum, I thought you guys knew that I tried those methods already :-D.</p>
<p>But problem is that there doesn't seem to be clear consistency between different sites/resources so I don't know which one is best one to use.</p>
<p>For example, here's what my book said:</p>
<p>Por can mean in exchange for, for the benefit of or in favor of. </p>
<p>But my other paper used because of or for, object of an errand, duration in time, and passage through, in, or along physical space as reasons. </p>
<p>Those two are CLEARLY different. So yeah, maybe you guys can explain to me?</p>
<p>You kinda have to memorize the uses and then know when to use each one. Also they mean the same word they are used in different cases.</p>
<p>those definitions are both right</p>
<p>por is used when talking about buying something (i payed $6 for " ") and duration in time (Yo fui al campo por dos meses) versus a deadline, where you would use para. </p>
<p>"for the benefit of" is the same as saying "for the sake of" Ex. your mom is sick, she cant work- you do stuff por ella BUT if its her birthday, you bake a cake "para" ella.
When in doubt, use por b/c it has the most meanings</p>
<p>por is like in exchange for, duration of time (eg..for three days...por tres dias)</p>
<p>Hmm. So pick "por" when in doubt? :-D</p>
<p>I guess I'll just have to memorize the paper. :-X Thanks for the help guys!</p>
<p>"Por" can also mean "because" based on how it is used. Remember that there is not a perfect rule and there are also some idioms. Changing "por" for "para" can change the meaning of a sentence. Also, if it makes you feel better, if you put "por' when it should be "para" or vice versa, it will sound awful 99% of the time.</p>
<p>My spanish teacher always told me to use por when trying to express "via" or "by". </p>
<p>For example, if you went Jamaica via an airplane...</p>
<p>Fui a jamaica por avion.</p>
<p>Camino por el parque con mi perro.</p>
<p>Para is, essentially, "for".</p>
<p>Este regalo es para ti.</p>
<p>Necesitas todos tus libros para sacar buenas notas en la escuela.</p>
<p>Another sort of general rule that helped me...</p>
<p>"por" usually refers to a process, a means, etc.</p>
<p>"para" refers to a destination (for your travels, the thing you're giving...) or an ends</p>
<p>I havn't ever taken an official Spanish class, but I speak Portuguese. From my understanding of the two languages, 'para' can be used how 'to' or 'in order to' is used in english.</p>
<p>I bought the books (in order) to study. (Can also be worded to use the gerund.. I bought the books for studying.)</p>
<p>Yo compre' los libros para estudiar.</p>