por
Wordform Details
Translation: forbythroughper
Part of Speech: preposition
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: for; by; through; because of; per; in exchange for
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: From Latin 'pro' meaning 'for, on behalf of, in place of'. It evolved through Vulgar Latin where 'pro' merged with 'per' (through, by means of), resulting in the Spanish 'por'. This dual origin explains its wide range of meanings covering both purpose and agency. English cognates include words with 'pro-' prefix like 'provide' and 'proclaim'.
Commonality: 98%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Lo hice por ti.
I did it for you.
El libro fue escrito por Cervantes.
The book was written by Cervantes.
Vamos a caminar por el parque.
We're going to walk through the park.
Estoy aquí por mi hermano.
I'm here because of my brother.
Cuesta diez dólares por persona.
It costs ten dollars per person.
Te cambio mi lápiz por tu bolígrafo.
I'll trade you my pencil for your pen.
Mnemonics
- Think 'POR-pose' for cause or reason (why something happens)
- Remember 'por' for 'process' (how something happens) versus 'para' for 'purpose' (the goal)
- Associate 'por' with 'portion' when talking about exchange or rates (dollars por hour)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
One of the most frequently used prepositions in Spanish, 'por' appears in countless expressions and idioms. Understanding the distinction between 'por' and 'para' is considered one of the fundamental challenges for Spanish learners.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Por' generally indicates cause, means, agent, duration, or exchange, while 'para' indicates purpose, destination, deadline, or recipient.
Notes: The por vs. para distinction is one of the most challenging aspects for Spanish learners. 'Por' generally answers 'why?' or 'how?' while 'para' answers 'what for?' or 'for whom?'
Mnemonic: 'Por' looks back (cause, reason), 'para' looks forward (goal, destination).
Explanation: 'Por' is a preposition that can mean 'because of' among other things, while 'porque' is a conjunction meaning 'because'.
This word:
Lo hice por ti.
I did it because of you.
Confused word:
Lo hice porque te quiero.
I did it because I love you.
Notes: 'Por que' (two words) also exists and means 'for which' in certain contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Porque' adds 'que' to 'por' to form a complete conjunction that introduces a clause.