Por vs Para

The translation of 'por' and 'para' will depend on the context, but generally speaking 'para' translates as ‘to,’ ‘for,’ and ‘por’ translates as 'through', 'by,' 'out of,' 'per,' 'for' and 'around.'

Now we will attend to their key differences.

‘Para’ will always keep its form while ‘por’ contracts with the definite article that follows it: ‘por’ + ‘o(s)’ = ‘pelo(s)’; ‘por’ + ‘a(s)’ = ‘pela(s)’.

• 🌷 Estas flores são para ti. (These flowers are for you.)
• Viemos pelo caminho mais curto. (We came through the shortest route.)

When they are used to express movement:

Para - indicates movement towards a specific destination or goal.

• 🏠 Eles foram para casa. (They went [to] home.)

Por - expresses movement through a place or along a path without necessarily reaching a final destination.

• Este autocarro passa pelo aeroporto. (This bus passes by the airport.)

When they are used to express cause and reason:

Para - indicates the purpose, the desired outcome, similar to 'in order to'.

• 🍵 Bebe o chá para te sentires melhor. (Drink the tea to/in order to feel better.)

Por - indicates the motivation, reason or force that drives an action, similar to 'because of', 'due to' or 'on behalf of'.

• 😨 Ele fugiu por medo de ser agredido. (He ran away for/due to fear of being attacked.)
• 💼 Eles estão a lutar por melhores condições de trabalho. (They are fighting for/on behalf of better working conditions.)

When they are used to express time:

Para - indicates the deadline or the exact time of an event.

• 🍽️ O jantar está marcado para as nove horas. (Dinner is scheduled for nine o'clock.)

Por - gives a time approximation.

• Chego ao restaurante pelas oito e meia. (I'll arrive at the restaurant around [the] half past eight.)

It's important to note that these are small guidelines. For more information on ‘por’ and ‘para’ as well as on other prepositions, please check the article on prepositions in the Grammar Reference.