Por Vs. Para - An Introduction (S03E09)

Get the Free Practice Worksheets for this lesson here:
spanishdude.com/quickies/por-...
Here we go.
This is a long time coming.
The most requested video ever.
Por Vs. Para: An Introduction
I warn you now, there isn't one magic rule I can give you that'll immediately solve this difficult problem for you.
In a way, this is like "saber" and "conocer". They're confusing, because both words mean "to know".
But once you know the ideas behind the words... that "saber" is for "knowing facts" and "conocer" is "being familiar with" something... it's really not that hard.
Well, "por" and "para" are just like that.
But totally different =)
There are specific ideas behind "por" and "para".
And once you understand these ideas, it does become easier to choose the right one at the right time.
But not easy. Just easier.
"Por Vs. Para" isn't easy.
Don't let anybody tell you it is.
Don't feel dumb when you make mistakes.
That has to happen. It's part of the process.
In this video, I give you the ideas behind "por" and "para".
Then it's your job to go out into the world and look for these ideas.
Use these ideas.
Try them out.
Take some risks.
You'll get some rightm and you'll get some wrong.
I guarantee it.
But if you understand this video...
If you understand the ideas behind "por" and "para"...
Even when you make a mistake, you'll quickly realize why.
And you be able to adjust the next time around--and get it right!
That's how this works.
That's how you learn.
There are tons of tedious rules governing when to use "por" and "para".
Don't bog yourself down with all that.
That's what everybody else does.
There's only one place to start.
From the beginning.
This is "Por Vs. Para: An Introduction".
Ask me any questions you've got.
Jordan
Here are some other videos you might find helpful:
spanishdude.com/quickies/how-...
spanishdude.com/quickies/sabe...

[@Kenikex]

I'm a native Spanish speaker, and even I couldn't explain, or didn't know how to explain "por" vs "para" to my friends; this is a genius explanation.

[@elspanishdude]

Thank you so much! Always great to hear such kind words from a native Spanish speaker. Thank you!

[@aaronmarshall9119]

I have a Spanish final tomorrow and I just know I’m gonna fail it. I’ve studied for hours and it’s not that the videos are bad I just can’t comprehend it all.

[@wolverine5902]

I have a test in 2 days I'm stressed the fuck out.

[@jaclynh9343]

This really is. Brilliant.

[@joejones8454]

Trash

[@samiraa.8917]

Why on the earth you aren't my Spanish teacher! I'm studying for my Span II finals and your video taught me more than what m Spanish teacher taught me the entire semester. Thank you for these wonderfully helpful videos.

[@LuminousProductions_Media]

It be like that sometimes

[@aarushmasipeddi4452]

fr bro

[@davidhledik8607]

neither Spanish nor English is my native language, I'm studying Spanish from English sources. Couldn't find concise and practical source that would explain the difference without bullshit around, but this! it's great! stuck with this video till the end. this guy is really good!!

[@elspanishdude]

Gracias! Glad you found me!

[@masterbonesmith]

One of the best Spanish teaching videos I've seen so far. Instead of giving me Spanish phrases to parrot back, you explain the mechanics of Spanish sentences and word usage. Good pace, too. The lesson moved quickly along. You spent a few dollars on some graphics. that really helps with the overall presentation. I will definitely check out more videos.

[@linagarcia7479]

My born language is Spanish, but for some reason his videos mesmerize me and i can't help but to watch the whole thing😅

[@lesliesaavedra3108]

Same

[@jos-al13]

same

[@OrlandoOspinoSanchez95]

Same here.

[@legion0101]

@Lina. Por alguna razon..o para alguna razon..?

[@linagarcia7479]

Rb S por! 😉

[@spoudaois4535]

Para- in order to For/ recipient destination by/ specific time Por. - duration path beginning to finish Like a scale- trade exchange substitute emotions times of day as English "per" mode of transportation, communications via, through a path Estupendo video!

[@rockinggirl0610]

thanksss!!

[@anilaredd8817]

I learned "para" means "in order to" when talking about purpose and that really helped me. Using your example, "Yo como para vivir"= "I eat in order to live"...

[@kyoshiroma]

in order to = purpose /objetive ¿am I right?

[@jtixtlan]

Sí. In order to, for the purpose of, with the aim toward, ...

[@ChevroletGirl1974]

Vivo para comer ;)

[@Lil08103]

@@kyoshiroma you're right but that's just one of it's meanings. there are several more.

[@danielblue4460]

@@ChevroletGirl1974 😂😂😂

[@jacobwerner425]

I honestly think he stops the filming every ten seconds just to blink and then starts back up again where he left off and then repeats that

[@ParisShenae]

😭😂😭😂😭😂 who notices that but truth

[@connordavison2817]

I didnt even notice this but then I started looking for him to blink and there was nothing for like 5 minutes lol

[@said_628]

it appears to me that you are not here to learn Spanish, but only to watch if this guy is blinking or not

[@ikechukwuaneke7351]

You just came to look at his eyes not to learn what he's teaching 🙄

[@DeutschmitMarija]

Jordan, you are a genius! Thank you! 😍

[@gloriamadrigales5198]

Muchas gracias bendiciones x

[@lesmislady2273]

You are a gifted educator and got me to understand ( pretty easily ) what others could not. You are brilliant. Thank you, thank you!

[@steverochford50]

I've been getting serious about learning Spanish finally. I started Duolingo a while back, but it lacks in having defined rules illustrated to you. I've watched 2 videos now on this channel and am already hooked!

[@doobie9932]

Estas fluente ahora? Tengo estado praciticando espanol por tres semanas :)

[@stevenbotel]

Babbel is better

[@pngs]

@@stevenbotel to each his own

[@SenyoritaStoic]

Are u fluent now?

[@drzman6901]

I am not defending Duo, but thought I would point out that the current theory in language learning is to make the experience much like that of a baby born into a family speaking a given language. Babies become pretty darn fluent by the time they are 5 years old and have had zero (well if the parents aren't grammarians :-) grammar lessons. The idea is to have conversational language stick with you and then pick up rules later if necessary. As someone who started with rules, I spent more than 5 decades going in and out of Spanish learning. Today, I am almost fluent after 2.5 years of using the conversational, no-rule exposure offered by Duo plus some online tutoring. I have no regret learning grammar rules, but it really slowed down my goal which was to be conversational in Spanish.

[@abia9414]

I don't usually comment on youtube videos but I have to say, this is the clearest explanation of por vs para I've ever heard! For the first time I actually get it! Keep it up :)

[@seagi834]

headass

[@joephillipy]

Dude, you're making the planet a better place. 46 year old white guy here struggling through my first Spanish class and your videos are helping me A LOT! Gracias!

[@BerserkBebop]

Thanks a lot for the lesson. My teacher skimmed over por and para, and I was pretty confused to the differences. Awesome job explaining it more thoroughly.

[@MattePurple1]

Dude, you are awesome. I retain like 96 percent of your content--way more than any other resource. Your organization and delivery is on point. Thanks so much.

[@StarTropics64]

I've had trouble with this for so long. I was taught para was the reason why something is done. And por was every other use of the word for. The "arrow" and the "path between" analogy are very effective and help alot. Thank you.

[@GavinSeim]

This is the simple essentials the teaching apps don't bother to add in the footnotes. I left the USA with my family to escape tyranny 3 months ago not knowing any Spanish. Not being able to communicate fluently makes me loco in so many ways. As I absorb words I always see them out of context in the real world from the way they are taught. Videos like this and the how words work video open up the mind to think broader and get past the barriers.

[@reneedevoe2019]

ME ENCANTA este lección!!!!!!

[@janicegloster984]

Yes!!! I got 100% on the Practice Worksheet #1 using your methods as presented in this video. Your visuals - the big red arrow, scale and path - were such a big help. I have found “por and para” to be pretty overwhelming to tackle. Now I have confidence to master them! Thank You!!!

[@elspanishdude]

I'm so glad. It will take me a little while to get there, but I do plan on another por vs. para video in the not too distant future. I can do better than this now.

[@davidmanning4759]

This video is very imPORtant :) I'll show my self out

[@jasiahmedley9816]

The door 👉👉👉👉👉

[@Lune___.]

jasiah medley por la puerta

[@jamesbowyer5835]

Best Por vs Para lesson I’ve come across, including university lectures! Many thanks big man *****

[@lauralu4175]

This is perfect!!! I love your Spanish teaching, your courses and all of how and what you teach. It's the only Spanish course that makes sense and has a pattern. I love it!!!! Thank you.

[@Beery1962]

Wow! I tried Clozemaster's test for por/para and I got 52%, which is barely better than rolling a die. Then I came here, watched your video, did your worksheets and got 90% on the first test and (once I figured out what I did wrong on that tenth question, I got 100% on the second worksheet. Clozemaster is admittedly a harder test, because some of the Spanish is beyond my level, but I've no doubt I'll do better next time thanks to you. Liked, subscribed, and rang the bell!

[@rudin6183]

Finally somebody that can explain this in a very clear way! Well done, love the arrow!!

[@nicolenauck3144]

You explained this wonderfully! I got all the practice questions right out of the gate. Muchas gracias por la ayunda!

[@BigLewBBQ]

This is by far, the best lesson on "por y para" I've ever had. I've been studying Spanish for 26 years. I've been teaching Spanish for 14 years. I've had "por y para" lessons in grad school that weren't this good. When I think I have it sometimes I'll slip up, but after this video it will be much less now. Gracias por hacer este video.

[@MichhaelTG]

I am married to a wonderful woman that doesn't speak English, only Spanish. I wish I had known about you when I first started learning Spanish. I have seen a lot of Spanish lession on line and yours is definitely the best.

[@xosroxosroo1130]

This man is amazing. Love him.

[@4thUlquiorra]

I just want to thank you honestly. I have only had the opportunity to take my Spanish classes over a 4 week period at a time and there's a lot that I miss because the class is so condensed, fast-paced and ONLINE. Watching your videos has helped me prepare for exams and just get a better understanding of Spanish in general. Thank you again

[@jmaxinglis]

I gotta say your explanations are so much better than my university-level prof, who usually just repeats her explanation when we ask questions. Thanks so much!

[@maycel7241]

Wow! I have searched for several videos for the comparison of por vs. para and this one is by far the most detailed and easiest to understand. Thanks Jordan! 👍

[@algjs90]

Your lecture is so clear that i think i almost understand the difference between PARA and POR already. the examples you are giving is really clear. Thank you so much for doing this for us.

[@wiersemaJ]

Turned fluent this year thanks to your videos, Jordan! You are a good fella!!

[@elspanishdude]

LIAR! You turned fluent because of your effort. My stuff, even if devoured over and over is just not enough. The hours you put in. I'm proud and honored and flattered that you would call me a part of it. But literally 1,000's of people watch my videos. But only the ones that go further and do what's needed can see the progress you have. But I know what you mean. And I appreciate the credit. And please know I am truly proud of you. That is no easy feat, to say those words. Good job.

[@foriwillconsidermycatjeoffery]

This channel saves my life before every test, thank you

[@carloscoreno4193]

Its amazing how you know ever little rule and grammar rule for Spanish and at the same time can explain it so easy... your an amazing teacher.

[@lisamoretti9756]

Thank you so much for all of your fun and highly effective lessons~!

[@whitneyg3541]

Your explanations are excellent. I really appreciate how in this video you give us something to visualize (the arrow and the path) in order to determine the purpose of por and para in different contexts. This is 180 degrees different than memorizing lists and I love it. I can "feel" it! Thanks so much.

[@yeshwanthdamalapati3295]

This is amazing!

[@gmail00tttt]

have been waiting for this video FOR a very long time. Thank you.

[@rickarddahlstrom]

Thanx a lot dude. It made things clearer.

[@MarbellaEye]

Your way of teaching is quite interesting and reached my head in a way that i will not forget the difference between para and por. Well done.

[@jtfmwmtube]

I told you that you talk too fast for me, but I love the way you explained por and Para. None of the other teacher have been able to help me.

[@elspanishdude]

Glad I can help you!

[@pngs]

You can change the playback speed.

[@23SquidOohGrrrl]

AMAZING VIDEO! I finally feel confident about this after studying & speaking Spanish for decades! Thank you so much!

[@elspanishdude]

Thank you! I'm so happy to hear this! Glad the video helped you!

[@dustypantelones]

4 minutes in and this arrow method is unlocking things that no other concept has been able to do for me. Wow dude! Thank you!

[@NickGorton]

This is the single best explanation of Por/Para I've ever seen. Thank you so much!

[@juanrcamilo]

Despite being a Spanish native speaker I keep watching your vids! You're good at it!

[@Eventsandthings]

Excellent explanation. Thank you

[@sabrinamae7452]

I am so glad I found this!! You even provide sheets for exercises! I love you already!

[@cwtckness]

Thanks Jordan,you always make me smile

[@jasonbauter2512]

I've been learning Spanish for 26 years now and I think this explanation is the best I've come across. Gracias Senor !

[@smoglessmeat]

Remember GPA (goal, purpose, aim) to save my GPA

[@rockinggirl0610]

loll

[@smithy0009]

Fabulously direct and to the point as always Jordan, thank you! Downloading the worksheets now!

[@jillscaggs2263]

I have learned more from you than I ever did in school, thank you so much for your helpful videos!

[@bainmarlena8892]

Currently learning Spanish and even in school never understood this. I've never heard a more detailed and beautiful explanation

[@ChiefsFanInSC]

I wish I could like this video a hundred times! This added A LOT of clarity to something I was struggling with.

[@elspanishdude]

Excellent! I'm so glad it helped you!

[@jdub7550]

i always struggled with this! you have really made this clear for me! you are awesome!

[@elspanishdude]

Thank you! Glad it helped! Like I said in the video, it's not the whole situation, but it's a real good start. Good luck!

[@4winfree]

It's crazy you failed high school Spanish and actually "see" a better way to explain Spanish. Thank you for making it fast and simple.

[@elspanishdude]

My pleasure! Glad you like this video.

[@jaykoulias-perez4383]

This guy nails it every time thank you

[@ncognidoh3081]

Amazing job! Well done:) Thank you for the generosity of practice worksheets. A true teacher who cares about the learning of his students!

[@hannahcarmichael]

This was super helpful! The illustrations you used really helped drive the point home for me. I just recently discovered your videos and I'm hooked! Thank you for taking the time to share your passion of Spanish with us and teach us!

[@louarmour5107]

Probably the best explanation I've heard of the difference between para and por. Awesome work, Jordan.

[@elspanishdude]

Excellent. I'm glad it helped. Thanks for the message.

[@josephkahlich3326]

You do an awesome job with these videos! Thank you!

[@robertdawson4546]

Excellent explanation!!! This is far and away the best explanation of "por" vs "para" that I have seen. The point that you continue to make in your videos, that there is not always a direct translation of words and concepts from one language to another, is critical in learning a new language. Thank you for your videos, straight forward approach to teaching, and for parsing the information required for understanding to facilitate a person becoming conversational and not a "grammar expert."

[@twhite7900]

hands down the best por vs para video i have seen, was struggling with it. with this video in addition to a general grasp of the concepts beforehand, i think i've finally got it. thank you.

[@AstronautKazaplier]

Here are all the meanings and uses for Por and Para that I can think of: Para: "For", "to", (by, before, on) (only for deadlines) and para can mean "in order to" ( 6 words/phrases) Para followed by an infinitive either means "to" or in order to" depending on the context. ( 8 uses). Para is used for: Destination, Deadlines, To the recipient, Opinions, Purpose, Goal or Aim, Result and can be used for more emphasis on the verb. (Para ganar) to win, but with more emphasis on it. Por: "For", "by", "through", "because of", "along", "via", "around" and "per" ( 8 words/phrases). Por is used for: Duration, Exchanging, Motion through a place, indicate cause/reason, refer to a way of doing something, express support, frequency, by someone, quantity of something when you use per litre etc, precise location/time and time of the day ( 11 uses). "Through", "along", "via" and "because of" would always be Por.

[@instabeef8370]

This guys videos are incredible!

[@languagelearningdabbler]

You just made it clear to me! Excellent video! Thanks so much!

[@corgibird8338]

Dude. Thank you. You are a great teacher with these examples. As you are not grading my exams this is not sucking up to the teacher.

[@rogeliodealba2007]

POR also mean “Times” ( 2x2... )

[@Beery1962]

...hands of blue. No one expects a Firefly reference!

[@CraigPowell]

Been a lifetime member for a good few years. My Spanish is far better than it was. Spanish is weird, the more I have learnt.... the more I realised I didn't know as much as I thought I did. (There is more to it all than meets the eye). This video has helped me a lot. Keep them going Jordan. 👍👌 gracias

[@LAMOTTA1979]

Thank you for breaking this tricky subject down.

[@christopherpericolosi-king4979]

Jordan, you're the reason I'm passing my Spanish 2 class this semester and next! These videos break this down for me easily and make understanding the language easy! Thank you, a ton! Especialmente porque menor soy de edad español.

[@cometier]

Thanks for so much knowledge. I’ve now watched almost all your KZbin vids and done a 2.5 of your premium courses. Fantastic value.

[@chrisw1013]

Most videos and explanations of the more complex aspects of spanish are long winded and not so clear and succinct. You have the ability to get to the point fast and make it clear. Thanks...you have made learning ser and estar and para and por...etc... much easier...

[@romani.o3525]

u can really teach...u r not boring, everything is just intersting....i am a proud subscriber.

[@catherinewhite5008]

Finally! Thank you for this video- one of the hardest bits about Spanish for me. I'll be watching this video a couple more times

[@elspanishdude]

I'm glad this will help you. Not easy for any of us. That's why it took me so long to make it. I still don't have this down 100% of the time.

[@danibucholtzrealestate-lif4567]

Love it! I have been confused by this for years

[@briangarner3727]

SUPER helpful, thank you for putting this together!

[@barbarawilks8656]

This was really helpful. Your arrow, path and scale images did the trick. Thank you.

[@christianr4319]

I was so lucky to find your channel. You are doing a great job. Greetings from Germany.

[@SuperPKinney]

Muchas Gracias por todos!!! This has helped me a lot. I just came back from Costa Rica. I was at a Spanish immersion school Tico Lingo and we went over it but I was still not comfortable but after your video, I feel pretty good with using it.

[@davidrandall2742]

Por vs Para was driving me nuts; this one video is worth the price of the lifetime membership, and it's in the free section. Thank you, Jordan.

[@freshkid8422]

Your videos are very informative and you're very crystal-clear with your explanations.

[@Robertsdogs]

One of the best videos on Por v Para I've seen. It's all slowly sinking in!

[@elspanishdude]

Excellent! Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@tiffanyramos589]

Thank you so much for your videos! It's been a long journey and I still have trouble understanding when I'm in a conversation, but I have had a few conversations in Spanish and it brought tears to my eyes because I never thought I made it this far and your videos Have helped! ¡Muchismas Gracias!

[@user-e2023]

Your teaching is brilliant and simply explained. Helped me finally understand the difference.

[@oreofl14]

This video was so helpful! I would often read signs in Spanish and the "para/por" placements always threw off my translations. You've made me a little more confident in comprehending the Spanish Language. Thank you for this Spanish Dude!!

[@abriellekayban2410]

AMAZING!! Thank you so much for such a great explanation! I'm in my second year of post- secondary Spanish and I've never had these words explained to well! very very helpful

[@DrTHC]

I dropped duo after three years without missing a day... This was part of the reason why... confusion between para and por. I think that I'd have advanced a lot faster if I'd been watching your videos in conjunction with a learning app. Thank you for explaining this. I'll now be going back and watching all your videos. I have a feeling that my struggles with Spanish are soon to be greatly eased. Understanding the concepts behind the grammar helps so much. ~THC

[@scottkercheville8972]

This, along with the practice sheets, was very helpful. Thank you!

[@samanthawhyte8542]

This explanation has literally helped me so much, ¡muchas gracias!

[@cassidybopp]

eres un maestro magnífico 🙂👏🏼

[@karmaking1263]

Nothing short of a brilliant presentation

[@buddyb-uo7gu]

This guy is amazing, great teacher.

[@Mikeg6283]

this man is fantastic. learning more from him than many native speakers

[@g.hickory1383]

This is such a brilliant channel. I’m trying to become fluent in this language even though it is not often spoken in Ireland. The way you explained the differences using the arrows and space between two things was brilliant

[@mmfong297]

This is genius, no one can explain this to me as good as this arrow and in-between!!!

[@hannahfoster7792]

I love your voice, and how direct you are. I also like the English examples ... keeping it simple. very helpful

[@haileybruder4603]

Your video saved me! I did not understand this material for a Por and Para quiz until I saw this video

[@gimmecheesecake]

bro may god bless your soul thanks much i swear i am so grateful :)