The por vs. para dilemma is one of the biggest headaches for English speakers learning Spanish, especially since both are sometimes translated as "for." If you are still confused about the Spanish prepositions por and para, this lesson will explain how and when to use each. We hope that by the end of it, you will understand the difference between these two words and be able to use them with confidence. 

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Por vs. Para: The Key Difference

Before we examine some specific uses of por and para in Spanish, we would like to invite you to think about these prepositions as opposites in the following terms:

Por: Indicates a cause or reason.

Para: Indicates a purpose, objective, or goal.

In a video from his series about the prepositions por and para, Carlos explains this difference by contrasting two sentences. Let's hear the first:

Estoy preocupado por el examen.

I'm worried about the exam.

Caption 35, Carlos explica Las preposiciones 'por' y 'para' - Part 1

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In this sentence, the preposition por indicates that the exam is the cause or reason for Carlos' concern. Now, let's look at the other sentence:

María estudió tres días para el examen.

Maria studied for the exam for three days.

Caption 39, Carlos explica Las preposiciones 'por' y 'para' - Part 1

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In this case, the preposition para indicates that the exam was María's goal and/or purpose for studying, most likely to try to achieve the best possible grade. 

Now that we have highlighted this overarching difference between the prepositions por and para, let's explore a variety of more nuanced uses of each of these Spanish words.  

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How and When to Use the Preposition Por in Spanish

Let's take a look at many of the most common uses of the preposition por in Spanish.

To Indicate the Reason for Something

Si ese tipo vino aquí por dinero, pues... eso es lo único que quiere.

If that guy came here for money, well... that's the only thing he wants.

Captions 49-50, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 3 - Part 8

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Before Place Names to Denote a Course of Movement Within That Location

Pero ¿sabéis lo que le gusta hacer a Lukas? Ir a correr por la playa.

But, do you know what does Lukas like to do? Go running on the beach.

Captions 58-59, Amaya Mi camper van

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To Indicate Approximate Location 

Hoy he decidido hacer unas compras por el centro de la ciudad.

Today I've decided to do some shopping in the city's downtown.

Caption 2, Raquel Haciendo compras

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To Talk About the Time of Day

Las clases son normalmente por la tarde;

The classes are usually in the afternoon;

Caption 6, El Aula Azul Las actividades de la escuela - Part 2

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To Express Duration

Fui jugador amateur por mucho tiempo,

I was an amateur player for a long time,

Caption 22, Víctor en Caracas El fútbol con Tony Carrasco

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To Indicate the Frequency of an Action

Es de vital importancia que la tienda online se actualice. Deberíamos actualizar al menos dos veces por semana.

It's of vital importance that the online store is updated. We should update at least twice a week.

Captions 6-7, Raquel y Marisa Español Para Negocios - Nuestra tienda online

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To Indicate the Means Used To Do Something

Ayer llamé a mi cuñada por teléfono

Yesterday, I called my sister-in-law on the phone

Caption 5, Aprendiendo con Silvia Frases hechas - Part 3

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To Talk About Purchases and Transactions

¿Por cuánto lo has comprado?

For how much have you bought it?

Caption 17, 75 minutos Del campo a la mesa - Part 16

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In Passive Sentences to Indicate Who or What Performs the Action

O: "El edificio ha sido diseñado por la arquitecta".

Or: "The building has been designed by the [female] architect."

Caption 34, Lecciones con Carolina La voz pasiva - Part 3

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To Provide Evidence Used To Form a Conclusion

Por lo que se ve, pues, no está quemado, no está dañado,

From what you [can] see, well, it's not burned, it's not damaged,

Captions 39-40, Aprendiendo con Priscilla Vocabulario de taller mecánico

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How and When to Use the Preposition Para in Spanish

Now that we know how to use the preposition por in Spanish, let's see how to use the preposition para.

To Express the Purpose for Something

El veterinario vino ayer para comprobar que el bebé que lleva dentro está en buen estado,

The veterinarian came yesterday to check that the baby she's carrying is in good shape,

Captions 66-67, Amaya Apertura del refugio

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To Name a Recipient

Este libro es para ti.

This book is for you.

Caption 47, Carlos y Cyndy Uso del Voseo en Argentina

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To Indicate a Time Limit or Point in the Future 

Tengo que terminar el trabajo para mañana.

I have to finish this work by tomorrow.

Caption 39, Carlos explica Las preposiciones 'por' y 'para' - Part 2

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To Indicate the Direction or Destination of a Movement

Eh... voy para la casa. Si quiere, vamos juntos.

Um... I'm going home. If you want, we can go together.

Captions 7-8, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 14 - Part 9

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To Indicate the Use of Something

Tengo que tomar un medicamento para el dolor y otro para bajar la fiebre.

I have to take a medication for the pain and another one to lower the fever.

Captions 30-31, Ariana Cita médica

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To Talk About Employment

Trabajo para una empresa francesa de electrónica

I work for a French electronics company

Caption 13, Carlos y Xavi Part 2 Ustedes y Vosotros

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To Express Personal Opinions

porque es una ciudad que, para mí, lo tiene todo.

because it's a city that, for me, has it all.

Caption 7, San Sebastián El rompeolas

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Por vs Para: Understanding the Main Differences

Now that we have learned how to use the Spanish prepositions por and para, we would like to take a moment to summarize the main differences between them in the following chart.

Before we go, we would like to highlight a very common mistake among non-native Spanish speakers. Although your inclination might be to use the word para, remember that in order to express gratitude in Spanish, the preposition por should always be used, as in the sentence "Gracias por el regalo" (Thanks for the gift).

That's all for today. Although we know that this lesson did not touch on all of the possible uses of the prepositions por and para, we hope that it has helped you to better understand how and when to use each of them, and don't forget to send us your comments and suggestions. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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Have you ever needed to wish someone good luck in Spanish? Whether you're congratulating a friend on a new job, wishing a student success on an exam, or just saying goodbye to someone about to embark on a journey, knowing how to express good wishes in Spanish is essential for everyday conversations.

According to J.D. Salinger's character Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye," shouting "Good luck!" might sound terrible, but most Spanish speakers would disagree! In fact, expressing good wishes is deeply embedded in Spanish-speaking cultures, and these phrases are used daily across the Spanish-speaking world.

Let's explore the most common ways to say "good luck" in Spanish, complete with authentic examples you can start using right away.

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1. Buena suerte: The Classic "Good Luck" Expression

The most direct translation of "good luck" in Spanish is buena suerte. This versatile phrase works in virtually any situation where you'd wish someone luck in English.

"Adiós, mamá. Buena suerte en tu viaje.

"Bye, Mom. Good luck on your trip.

Captions 58-59, Aprendiendo con Silvia Traer vs. Llevar - Part 2

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There are many variations of (buena) suerte, including mucha suerte (lots of luck), which are often used with the subjunctive form of the verb tener (to have) in expressions like Que tengas mucha suerte (I hope you have a lot of luck) or the verb desear (to wish) as in Te deseo mucha/buena suerte (I wish you a lot of/good luck). 

2. Suerte: The Short and Sweet Version

For a more casual, everyday expression, many Spanish speakers simply say suerte (luck). This shortened version is extremely common, especially in Latin America, where even store clerks, taxi drivers, and people you've just met might say this to you as you depart. 

Suerte con eso. -Muchas gracias otra vez, ¿oyó? Gracias. [-Bueno]

Good luck with that. -Thank you very much again, you hear? Thanks. [-Good.]

Caption 70, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 3 - Part 14

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3. La mejor de las suertes: For Special Occasions

When you want to wish someone "the best of luck" for an important event or challenge, you can use the expression la mejor de las suertes. This can be said alone or paired with the verb desear (to wish):

4. ¡Éxito(s)!: Success-Focused Good Wishes

Another popular way to wish good luck in Spanish is to say ¡Éxito! (Success!) or ¡Éxitos! (Successes!). This expression focuses on the positive outcome rather than luck itself and is commonly used in professional or academic contexts:

Les deseamos muchos éxitos, ehm... 

We wish you a lot of success, um...

Caption 68, Doctor Krápula Entrevista

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Así que les deseo lo mejor, éxito en todo

So I wish you the best, [I wish you] success with everything

Caption 66, Outward Bound Danny

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Note that this third example contains yet another way of wishing someone well in Spanish: desear(le a alguien) lo mejor, or "wishing (someone) the best." Another alternative to this manner of wishing someone good luck and best wishes in Spanish is to say simply Mis mejores deseos (My best wishes). 

5. Que te vaya bien: For Daily Farewells

One of the most frequently used expressions to wish someone well is que te vaya bien, which literally means "(I hope) everything goes well for you," but it might sometimes be translated with the similarly well-wishing English phrase "Take care." This phrase is often exchanged between friends and strangers alike when parting ways:

6. Cruzar los dedos: The Superstitious Gesture 

Just like English-speakers, Spanish speakers sometimes use the phrase cruzar los dedos (to cross one's fingers) to describe a superstitious action thought to promote good luck.

Bueno pues, crucemos los dedos para que todo salga bien

Well then, let's cross our fingers for everything to go well

Caption 17, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 4 - Part 12

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7. ¡(Mucha) mierda!: The Theatrical Expression

Here's a surprising one! Although it literally means "crap" or "shit," telling someone ¡Mierda! or ¡Mucha mierda! (A lot of crap) is the Spanish equivalent of saying "Break a leg!" in English theaters. This expression is primarily used in performing arts contexts and shouldn't be used in formal situations or with people you don't know well.

Practice Using Good Luck Expressions in Spanish

Now that you know various ways to say "good luck" in Spanish, try incorporating these expressions into your conversations. Whether you're comforting a friend before a job interview, encouraging a family member facing a challenge, or simply saying goodbye to someone, these phrases will help you sound more natural and culturally aware.

Remember that in Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing good wishes is not just polite—it's an important part of daily social interaction that helps build and maintain relationships.

OK, buena suerte al aprender español.

Okay, good luck learning Spanish.

Caption 29, Cabarete Escuela de trapecio

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What's your favorite way to wish someone good luck in Spanish? Have you heard other expressions we didn't cover? Don't forget to leave us your suggestions and comments!

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