Por y para. ¡Ayúdame! :O

Can someone please help explain the differences between "por" and "para" for me? I've always struggled with knowing where to use each one.

Thanks! :)

---

Hi Traci, I can explain to you.

☆ POR __________________________

• Expressing movement along, through, around, by or about.

→ Anduve por las calles de la ciudad (I walked through the streets of the city).

• Denoting a time or duration when something occurs.

→ Viajamos por tres semanas (We're traveling for three weeks).

• Expressing the cause (not the purpose) of an action.

→ Me caí por la nieve (I fell down because of the snow).

• Meaning per.

→ Dos por ciento (Two percent).

• Meaning supporting or in favor of.

→ Trabajamos por los derechos humanos (We work for the human rights).

• Introducing the agent of an action after a passive verb.

→ Fue escrito por Bob Woodward (It was written by Bob Woodward).

• Indicating means of transportation.

→ Viajaré por avión (I will travel by plane).

• Used in numerous expressions.

→ Por ejemplo (For example).
→ Por favor (Please).

☆ PARA __________________________

• Meaning for the purpose of or in order to.

→ Para bailar la bamba, se necesita una poca de gracia (In order to dance the bamba you need a little grace).

• With a noun or pronoun as object, meaning for the benefit of or directed to.

→ Es para usted (It's for you).

• Meaning to or in the direction of when referring to a specific place.

→ Voy para Europa (I'm heading to Europe).

• Meaning by or for when referring to a specific time.

→ Necesito el regalo para mañana (I need the gift for tomorrow).
→ Vamos a la casa de mi madre para el fin de semana (We're going to my mother's for the weekend).

I hope this helps. Have a nice day!