Term
| When expressing duration of time (during, for), you use: |
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Definition
por
El presidente ocupa la presidencia (por) cuatro años consecutivos.
The president holds the presidency for four consecutive years.
El alcalde habló (por) más de media hora.
The mayor spoke for more than a half hour.
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Term
| When expressing point in time or a deadline (for, by), you use: |
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Definition
para
Es dudoso que todos los problemas se solucionen para el final de su presidencia.
It is doubtful that all problems will be solved by the end of her presidency.
Es importante que bajemos los impuestos para el próximo año.
It is important that we lower taxes by next year.
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Term
| When expressing movement or location (through, along, past, around), you use: |
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Definition
por
Los candidatos van por la calle hablando con la gente.
The candidates are going through the streets talking with the people.
El rey saluda por la ventana.
The king is waving through the window. |
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Term
| When expressing destination (for), you use: |
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Definition
para
La reina sale hoy para Puerto Rico.
The queen leaves for Puerto Rico today.
Los diputados se fueron para el Capitolio.
The representatives left for the Capitol. |
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Term
| When expressing motive (on account of, because of, for), you use: |
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Definition
por
Decidimos meternos en política por nuestros hijos. Queremos asegurarkes un futuro mejor.
We decided to get involved in politics because of our children. We want to assure them a better future.
En resumen, nos dijeron que hay que reciclar por el futuro de nuestro planeta.
In short, they told us that we must recycle for the future of our planet.
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Term
| When expressing recipients or intended person or persons (for), you use: |
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Definition
para
Mi hermano escribe discursos para la gobernadora.
My brother writes speeches for the governor.
Necesitamos un avión para el dictator.
We need a plane for the dictator.
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Term
| When expressing exchange (in exchange for), you use: |
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Definition
por
Gracias por su ayuda, señora Presidenta.
Thank you for your help, Madam President.
Limpiaron el vertedero por diez mil dólares.
They cleaned the dump for ten thousand dollars. |
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Term
| When expressing comparison (for), you use: |
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Definition
para
Para un hombre que sabe tanto de la política, no tiene ni idea sobre la delincuencia de nuestras calles.
For a man who knows so much about politics, he has no idea about the crime on our streets.
La taza de desempleo es bastante bajo para un país en desarrollo.
The unemployment rate is quite low for a developing country.
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Term
| When expressing means (by), you use: |
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Definition
por
Los diputados discutieron los resultados de las elecciones por teléfono.
The representatives argued about the election results over the phone.
¿Los reyes van a viajar por barco o por avión?
Are the king and queen going to travel by ship or by plane?
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Term
| When expressing purpose or goal (to, in order to), you use: |
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Definition
para
Para recibir más votos, la candidata necesita proponer soluciones para los problemas con la deuda externa.
(In order) to receive more votes, the candidate needs to propose solutions for the problems with foreign debt.
Hay que luchar contra la contaminacón para proteger el medio ambiente.
One needs to fight pollution to protect the environment.
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