There are two very similar phrases in Spanish with por and para that have totally different meanings:
Por mí que + El Presente de Subjuntivo
Para mí que + any tense in the indicative
Let's see some examples to see the difference:
Por mí que se casen. Yo tengo otro chico en mente.I don't care if they marry. I've got another guy in mind.
Por mí
Notice how the meaning changes completely in each sentence. When we use "por", we express that:
- it makes no difference to us (I don't mind/care)
OR
- you would actually be quite happy about it (I wouldn't mind if..., It'd be great if...)
As you can see, the above are opposing ideas! You need to use the context and tone of voice to understand which of the two ideas the speaker wants to convey.
Para mí
However when we use "para" we simply express having a feeling, an inkling about something happening. In this case it can be followed by any tense in the indicative, but not the subjunctive.
This would be incorrect:
Por mí que se casan. Yo tengo otro chico en mente.
Para mí que se vayan a casar. Se les ve tan enamorados...
Here are some other examples:
Por mí que los niños se queden en la piscina hasta tarde.I wouldn't mind if the children stayed in the pool until late.
Bear in mind that we will use por mí que for a "future idea" whilst we will use para mí que for a future or past idea.
For example:
Por mí que cierren el cine. Yo nunca voy.I don't really care if they shut down the cinema. I never go anyway. (future idea)
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