Many people in the US are more comfortable speaking a language other than English. Learning new languages is a great way to communicate with a wider population, and Spanish takes the lead as the most-used language other than English in the US.
As a language learner, you may find it easy to pick up new nouns and verbs. To start using them in daily conversation, you’ll need building blocks like prepositions.
Learning how to say “for” in Spanish can open the door to a variety of full sentences. Read on to learn the variations of this important Spanish preposition.
How to Say “For” in Spanish: Para and Por
In the English language, the preposition “for” has many uses. We use it to express:
- The intended recipient or use of an object (e.g., “a gift for Mom” or “pasta for dinner”
- Support of an idea (e.g., “I stand for equality”)
- A period of time (e.g., “I’ve been waiting for two hours”)
- An exchange (e.g., “I’ll give you five dollars for it”)
In Spanish, you’ll often use “para” or “por” to express these sentiments. For example, “Te esperé por una hora,” means, “I waited for you for half an hour.” “Eso no funciona para mi,” means, “That doesn’t work for me.”
When to Use Other Prepositions in the Spanish Language
Should you use “para” and “por” every time you want to say “for?” The short answer is no. The long answer is that your prepositional choices will depend on sentence structure and even regional differences.
For example, you may need to use “en” when expressing a duration of time. You may need to use “a” to indicate the intended recipient. In some cases, the conjugation of verbs will eliminate the need for certain prepositions.
Tips for Mastering Spanish Prepositions
The best way to master prepositions in Spanish is to use them and hear them in use. You can use language learning websites or apps for guided practice. You can also immerse yourself in the language by watching or reading Spanish media.
Try using Spanish throughout your day, especially if you’re trying to teach it to your kids. Because the Spanish language is nuanced in its usage, you’ll get more out of your lessons if you start constructing sentences instead of just learning vocabulary words.
Read more on how to teach Spanish to kids and make your mastery of the Spanish language a family affair!
Embrace Connection with the Spanish Language
Spanish is the second-most popular language in the US and learning how to speak it can broaden your connections with others. Learning how to say “for” in Spanish will open the door to new sentences and questions, bringing you one step closer to fluency.
Learning a new language together is just one of the many ways you can bond and create new memories with your kids. If you’re looking for more ways to put down the screens and connect, you’re in the right place. Take a look around for more guides, tips, and family-friendly suggestions.
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