Spanish Grammar/Para
Para is used…
to signify destination
e.g. Mario va para la escuela. – Mario is going to the school.
to show the use or purpose of a thing
e.g. El libro es para estudiar. – The book is for studying.
meaning: "in order to," "for the purpose of"
e.g. Sal de la casa para conocer a amigos. – Leave the house (in order to) make friends.
to indicate a recipient
e.g. Este paquete es para usted. – This package is for you.
to specify a deadline or time
e.g. La tarea debe estar completa para el miércoles. – The homework should be done by Wednesday.
when expressings something contrary to what was expected
e.g. Para un niño es muy intelegente. – For a child, he is very intelligent.
expression: estar + para + infinitive – expresses an action that will soon be completed
e.g. La niña está para cumplir trece años. – The child is about to turn thirteen.
Both para is used in many common expressions and phrases. Here are some good examples:
para siempre | forever |
para dónde | where to |
estar para | to be about to |
para adelante | forward |
para detrás | backward |
para abajo | downward |
para entonces | by that time |
ser tal para cual | to be two of a kind |