Para vs. Por in Portuguese – When to Use Either

Language learners often get confused by the Portuguese prepositions para och por. While it is true that both are prepositions of movement, we use them under different circumstances.

So, what’s the difference between para och por?

Shortly, para indicates movement emphasizing direction and final destination, whereas por suggests a passing-by motion and itinerary. While the former often corresponds to the English preposition to, the latter corresponds to either by or through:

Para
Esta camioneta vai para Lisboa.
This bus goes to Lisbon.

Por
A camioneta passa por Leiria. (a caminho de Lisboa)
The bus passes by Leiria. (on its way to Lisbon)

There’s more to it. Read on.

Lesson #48 Preposition por - Portuguesepedia

Bread & Butter of Portuguese Prepositions

The BIG 5

Portuguese learners also struggle to understand when to use para och a. If you are one of them, read this: Portuguese Prepositions “Para” vs. “A”: Know When to Use Either.

Para

Movement

Vi använder para to indicate movement and mark the direction and final destination:

Ele foi para a escola.
He went to school.

Este avião vai para a República Checa.
This plane is bound for the Czech Republic.

Purpose

Besides movement, we also use para för att beteckna avsikt och syfte:

Eu estou a estudar para arranjar um bom emprego.
I am studying to get a good job.

Mottagare

We say para to indicate the recipient when we give or send something to someone:

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