Para: for, in order to, toward
Pronunciation: PAH-rah (stress the capital letters)
Para means “for, in order to, toward” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: for, in order to, toward
- How to say it: PAH-rah
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “para” means and how to use it
Para is a preposition that points to a goal: a purpose (para aprender), a recipient (para ti), a deadline (para mañana), or a destination (para Madrid).
A closer look at “para”
Common uses of para
Para shows purpose (estudio para aprender), recipient (un regalo para ti), destination (salgo para Madrid), deadline (la tarea es para mañana), and opinion (para mí, es fácil).
Para vs. por
Para looks forward to a goal. Por looks back at a cause or along a path. See our full lesson on por and para.
Examples with audio
- Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.
- Estudio para aprender español.I study in order to learn Spanish.
- Salgo para el aeropuerto.I am leaving for the airport.
Usage tip
Para looks forward to a purpose, recipient, or deadline. Por looks at the cause or path. The question “¿para qué?” asks about purpose, and “¿por qué?” asks about cause.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “for, in order to, toward” in Spanish?
“for, in order to, toward” in Spanish is “para.” It is pronounced PAH-rah, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “para”?
Say PAH-rah. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
Practice “para” for free
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Practice Spanish for free with Leo Read the lesson: Por vs. Para in Spanish
Related words
More: pronouns, prepositions and connectors · Spanish glossary · Lessons