Spanish word

para

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpaɾa/

Meaning

  • prepositionto

Example

Trabajo para ganar dinero.

I work to earn money.

Illustration for para (to)

More examples

Este regalo es para ti.

This gift is for you.

Core concept

Signpost pointing toward a person, place, or time.

Common phrases

  • para + infinitivo

    in order to + infinitive

  • para mí

    for me

  • para siempre

    permanently

Similar words

por: Marks exchange or substitution, meaning 'in exchange for'.
a: Marks destination or arrival point, used with motion verbs to mean 'to' or 'toward'.

Definition in Spanish

Para indica finalidad o destino: para qué se hace algo, para quién es, o hacia dónde/para cuándo va algo.

Word origin

Para originates in medieval Iberian Spanish under the influence of Latin prepositional usage and marks purpose, beneficiary, destination, or deadline.

Usage tips

  • When indicating a deadline or target recipient, Spanish uses para (e.g., para el lunes, para ti), whereas por denotes duration, motive, or means, so translate English 'for' by sense rather than form.

Other meanings

  • forpreposition
  • intended forpreposition

Opposites

  • porbecause ofpreposition

Word lists with this word