In the previous lesson, we saw the general idea for the use of para. A quick reminder: para expresses the purpose or the objective of what we do (the target is ahead of what we do). However, we're going to see now that sometimes this rule doesn't apply, though the rule will still help you in cases where one hesitates between por and para.
Let's now get into detail and see the especific uses of this preposition. There are a total of seven different uses of para. This week we are going to see four of them. Next week, we'll see the other three.
Uses of Para
1.- Destined for, to be given to - use the preposition para when something has a particular recipient. La cerveza es para ti - The beer is for you.
Esta carta es para el Sr. Ramírez.
This letter is for Mr. Ramirez.
He comprado este regalo para el cumpleaños de mi madre.
I bought this present for my mom's birthday.
2.- A specific time - use the preposition para when something has a deadline or a start date.
El trabajo de biología es para entregar mañana.
The Biology assignment is due tomorrow.
Las obras de remodelación de la catedral están previstas para marzo del 2011.
The refurbishment of the cathedral is scheduled for March, 2011.
Necesitamos tener una fotocopia de su pasaporte para el lunes.
We need to have a copy of your passport by Monday.
3.- In the employ of - use the preposition para to talk about the person, company or sector for which a person works
Mi padre trabaja para el gobierno.
My father works for the government.
Fernando está muy ilusionado por comenzar a trabajar para una compañía internacional.
Fernando is very excited about starting to work for an international company.
El detenido trabajaba para uno de los grupos terroristas más temidos del planeta.
The detainee worked for one of the most feared terrorist groups in the world.
4.- Compared with others, in one's opinion - use the preposition para to compare ideas or people with others or to express ideas under someone's opinionPara mí, la amistad es lo más importante.
In my opinion, friendship is the most important thing.
Juan no es muy buen cantante para haber estudiado música por tantos años.
Juan is not a good singer when you consider how many years he has studied music
Para ser una top-model, no tiene mucho estilo desfilando por la pasarela.
To be a top-model, she doesn't have much style parading down the catwalk.
Let's now get into detail and see the especific uses of this preposition. There are a total of seven different uses of para. This week we are going to see four of them. Next week, we'll see the other three.
Uses of Para
1.- Destined for, to be given to - use the preposition para when something has a particular recipient. La cerveza es para ti - The beer is for you.
Esta carta es para el Sr. Ramírez.
This letter is for Mr. Ramirez.
He comprado este regalo para el cumpleaños de mi madre.
I bought this present for my mom's birthday.
2.- A specific time - use the preposition para when something has a deadline or a start date.
El trabajo de biología es para entregar mañana.
The Biology assignment is due tomorrow.
Las obras de remodelación de la catedral están previstas para marzo del 2011.
The refurbishment of the cathedral is scheduled for March, 2011.
Necesitamos tener una fotocopia de su pasaporte para el lunes.
We need to have a copy of your passport by Monday.
3.- In the employ of - use the preposition para to talk about the person, company or sector for which a person works
Mi padre trabaja para el gobierno.
My father works for the government.
Fernando está muy ilusionado por comenzar a trabajar para una compañía internacional.
Fernando is very excited about starting to work for an international company.
El detenido trabajaba para uno de los grupos terroristas más temidos del planeta.
The detainee worked for one of the most feared terrorist groups in the world.
4.- Compared with others, in one's opinion - use the preposition para to compare ideas or people with others or to express ideas under someone's opinionPara mí, la amistad es lo más importante.
In my opinion, friendship is the most important thing.
Juan no es muy buen cantante para haber estudiado música por tantos años.
Juan is not a good singer when you consider how many years he has studied music
Para ser una top-model, no tiene mucho estilo desfilando por la pasarela.
To be a top-model, she doesn't have much style parading down the catwalk.