Using por (not para) to express "through/along" (a place)

The preposition por (not para) can be translated as either "through" or "along" depending on the context.

The preposition por (not para) is used in Spanish in sentences where you express "through" a place.

Have a look and listen to these examples:

Cuando voy al trabajo, voy por el parque.When I go to work, I go through the park.

Los chicos metieron el sofá en la casa por la ventana.The guys got the sofa inside the house through the window.

Miguel espiaba a su vecino por el agujero de la pared.Miguel spied on his neighbour through the hole in the wall.

It can also express "along" a place, for example when you walk along a street or an avenue (you walk the length of a street) or walk along a beach, for example.

Sigue recto por la avenida de América.Continue straight along America Avenue.

Me encanta caminar por la orilla de la playa por la tarde.I love walking along the shore in the evening.

Bear in mind that when we talk about crossing a bridge we generally say "pasar por un puente" and this "por" will normally be translated as "over" in English, but the idea is the same as we go along the length of the bridge (over it).

Tenemos que pasar por el puente para llegar a su casa.We have to cross/go over the bridge to get to his house.

 

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Cuando voy al trabajo, voy por el parque.When I go to work, I go through the park.
Miguel espiaba a su vecino por el agujero de la pared.Miguel spied on his neighbour through the hole in the wall.
Los chicos metieron el sofá en la casa por la ventana.The guys got the sofa inside the house through the window.
Sigue recto por la avenida de América.Continue straight along America Avenue.
Me encanta caminar por la orilla de la playa por la tarde.I love walking along the shore in the evening.
Tenemos que pasar por el puente para llegar a su casa.We have to cross/go over the bridge to get to his house.
Let me take a look at that...