Enhancing Your Fluency With “Por” Phrases
The Spanish preposition "por" is one of the most common words in the language. It can be used in a variety of ways, and its meaning can change depending on the context. This can make it a bit tricky to learn, but it's also one of the most useful words you can know.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at 62 essential "por" phrases that every Spanish learner should know. We'll also provide some examples of how to use them in context. By the end of this post, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use "por" in Spanish, and you'll be able to use it in your own conversations.
"Por" as a Means of Transportation
In Spanish, the preposition "por" can be used to indicate the means of transportation used to travel from one place to another. It is commonly used in phrases where someone is expressing how they are traveling or the mode of transportation they are using.
Here are some examples of “Por” as a means of transportation:
¿Cómo vas a ir al aeropuerto? (How are you going to the airport?)
Voy por el tren. (I'm going by train.)
Prefiero moverme por bicicleta. (I prefer to get around by bicycle.)
Llegué por autobús. (I arrived by bus.)
Vamos por barco. (We're going by boat.)
Exploramos la ciudad por scooter. (We explore the city by scooter.)
Trabajo por motocicleta. (I work by motorcycle.)
"Por" as a Reason or Cause
The preposition "por" in Spanish can also be used to express a reason or cause for an action or event. When used in this context, "por" is used to provide an explanation or justification for the action or event that follows.
Here are some examples of “Por” as a reason or cause:
No voy a la escuela por que tengo mucho sueño. (I'm not going to school because I'm very sleepy.)
No pude ir a la reunión por que estaba trabajando. (I couldn't go to the meeting because I was working.)
No fui al concierto por que se canceló. (I didn't go to the concert because it was canceled.)
Llegué tarde a la cita por que hubo mucho tráfico. (I arrived late to the appointment because there was heavy traffic.)
No pude estudiar por que había demasiado ruido. (I couldn't study because there was too much noise.)
Cancelaron el vuelo por que había mal tiempo. (They canceled the flight because of bad weather.)
"Por" as an Agent
It can also be used to express the agent or doer of an action. When used in this context, "por" is used to introduce the person or thing responsible for performing the action described.
Here are some examples of “Por” as an agent:
El cuadro fue pintado por Picasso. (The painting was painted by Picasso.)
El poema fue escrito por Gabriela Mistral. (The poem was written by Gabriela Mistral.)
La canción fue compuesta por Beethoven. (The song was composed by Beethoven.)
La película fue dirigida por Steven Spielberg. (The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg.)
El edificio fue diseñado por Frank Lloyd Wright. (The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.)
La carta fue escrita por mi abuela. (The letter was written by my grandmother.)
La escultura fue creada por Miguel Ángel. (The sculpture was created by Miguel Ángel.)
"Por" as an Expression of Time
This preposition can also be used to express time. When used in this context, "por" is used to indicate the duration or time period during which something happens or takes place.
Here are some examples of “Por” as an expression of time:
¿Por qué no vienes a mi casa por la noche? (Why don't you come to my house in the evening?)
Voy a estar en el aeropuerto por las dos de la tarde. (I'll be at the airport at two o'clock in the afternoon.)
El programa se transmite por la televisión los viernes. (The show airs on television on Fridays.)
Trabajo por la mañana. (I work in the morning.)
El evento empieza por la noche. (The event starts in the evening.)
Nos reuniremos por la tarde. (We will meet in the afternoon.)
El museo está cerrado por la noche. (The museum is closed at night.)
"Por" as an Expression of Purpose
The preposition can also be used to express purpose. When used in this context, "por" is used to introduce the intention or objective behind an action or event.
Here are examples of “Por” as an expression of purpose:
¿Por qué vas al banco? (Why are you going to the bank?)
Voy al banco por sacar dinero. (I'm going to the bank to withdraw money.)
Voy a la tienda por comprar pan. (I'm going to the store to buy bread).
Estoy estudiando español por viajar a España. (I'm studying Spanish to travel to Spain).
Compro ingredientes por cocinar una deliciosa cena. (I buy ingredients to cook a delicious dinner.)
Trabajo duro por lograr mis metas. (I work hard to achieve my goals.)
Leo libros de historia por aprender sobre el pasado. (I read history books to learn about the past.)
"Por" as an Expression of Exchange
When "por" is used as an expression of exchange, it indicates the value, price, or compensation given in return for something. Here, "por" introduces the exchange relationship between two entities or actions.
Here are some examples of “Por” as an expression of exchange:
¿Cuánto me cobras por la reparación? (How much do you charge for the repair?)
Le pagué cien dólares por el coche. (I paid him a hundred dollars for the car.)
Ambié mi reloj por su bicicleta. (I exchanged my watch for his bicycle.)
Vendí mi teléfono por un mejor modelo. (I sold my phone for a better model.)
Te daré mi computadora portátil por tu cámara. (I will give you my laptop for your camera.)
Intercambié mis boletos por entradas VIP. (I exchanged my tickets for VIP passes.)
Compré este vestido por veinte euros. (I bought this dress for twenty euros.)
"Por" as an Expression of Manner
When "por" is used as an expression of manner, it indicates the way or manner in which an action is performed or a state is achieved. It describes the means or method through which something happens.
Here are some examples of “Por” as an expression of manner:
Lo hice por la ventana. (I did it through the window)
Me caí por las escaleras. (I fell down the stairs)
Caminé por el parque. (I walked through the park)
Hablamos por teléfono. (We spoke on the phone)
Aprendí a bailar por imitación. (I learned to dance by imitation)
Conducimos por la autopista. (We drove on the highway)
Resolvimos el problema por colaboración. (We solved the problem through collaboration)
The preposition "por" encompasses a lot of usage and can be used in different contexts. These phrases add depth, clarity, and sophistication to your language skills. By mastering these phrases, you'll enhance your ability to express yourself fluently and communicate effectively in various situations. Remember to practice using them in context to develop your understanding and proficiency. Happy learning!
