Por vs Para in Spanish: Using por (not para) to express "on behalf of"

Por to say instead of/ on behalf of in Spanish

We use the preposition por (not para) when we mean instead of, on behalf of or in somebody's place.

Have a look and listen to these examples:

Mi compañero tuvo que trabajar por mí ayer.My colleague had to work for me yesterday. [in my place/instead of me]

¿Podrías comprar el regalo de mamá por mí? Yo estoy enferma.Could you buy mum's present for me? I am ill.

El actor principal estaba indispuesto, así que un sustituto actuó por él.The main actor wasn't feeling well, so a substitute took his place. [lit: acted for him]





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

El actor principal estaba indispuesto, así que un sustituto actuó por él.The main actor wasn't feeling well, so a substitute took his place. [lit: acted for him]
¿Podrías comprar el regalo de mamá por mí? Yo estoy enferma.Could you buy mum's present for me? I am ill.
Mi compañero tuvo que trabajar por mí ayer.My colleague had to work for me yesterday. [in my place/instead of me]
Let me take a look at that...