para
/paɾa/
The Spanish phrase para can mean 'for' or 'in order to' depending on the context.
The word para is used to express a destination, a purpose or the recipient of an action. It is also a form of the verb parar, meaning 'to stop'.
Which one should you use?
Use para to express destination, purpose or the recipient of an action. In contrast, use por to express cause, duration or exchange. Additionally, para is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb parar (to stop), while paró is the third-person singular preterite form meaning 'stopped'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by an infinitive verb, para translates to 'in order to'.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾa/
Did you know?
- The word para actually began as a blend of two different Latin prepositions, prō and ad.
- The verb parar can be used in the phrase parar el carro, which can mean literally stopping a car or figuratively telling someone to stop exaggerating.
- The word para can function as a command in the imperative mood, meaning 'Stop!' when addressing someone informally.
Examples in context
- Con el fin de mejorarIn order to improve
- Con el fin de lograrloIn order to achieve it
- Con el fin de proteger el medio ambienteIn order to protect the environment
- A fin de evitar confusionesIn order to avoid confusion
- A fin de obtener los resultados deseadosIn order to obtain the desired results
- A fin de mantener la armoníaIn order to maintain harmony
- Venido pa' ayudarCome to help
- Es pa' tiIt's for you
- Pa' qué quieres esoWhy do you want that?
- Voy pa' casaI'm going home
- Estamos pa' alláWe're on our way there
- Necesito eso pa' mañanaI need that for tomorrow
- Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.
- Estudio español para viajar a México.I study Spanish to travel to Mexico.
- Tengo una cita para las tres.I have an appointment for three o'clock.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are planning a trip together.
- MateoTengo ahorros para nuestro viaje.I have savings for our trip.
- Sofía¡Qué bueno! Es para nosotros dos.That's great! It is for both of us.
- MateoSí, es para que nos divirtamos.Yes, it is so that we can have fun.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, eres muy generoso.Thank you, Mateo, you are very generous.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry para, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries para, CC BY-SA 4.0.
