Spanish 'Por' for Means: By, Via, Through
por to describe the 'how'—the medium, route, or system used to complete an action.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'por' to describe the channel, method, or vehicle used to accomplish an action or travel.
- Use 'por' for transportation: 'Viajo por tren' (I travel by train).
- Use 'por' for communication: 'Hablamos por teléfono' (We talk by phone).
- Use 'por' for movement through space: 'Pasamos por el parque' (We go through the park).
Overview
The Spanish preposition por is a versatile word with multiple functions. At its most fundamental, it indicates means, method, or channel. This means por is the word you use to express how an action is accomplished, by what means it occurs, or through what medium something is conveyed.
It provides the crucial link between an action and the specific procedure, instrument, or pathway that enables it. Understanding por in this context is essential for expressing many everyday actions, from how you travel to how you communicate. While por has other important uses, such as expressing duration or cause, this explanation focuses exclusively on its role in defining the method or means.
Think of por as answering the question "how?" or "by what?". When you say viajo por tren, you are specifying the method of your travel. When you say hablo por teléfono, you are indicating the medium of your communication.
This usage is distinct from other prepositions like para, which typically expresses purpose or destination, and con, which denotes accompaniment or direct instrumentality. Mastering por for means will significantly enhance your ability to describe actions and their execution in Spanish, bringing clarity and precision to your communication.
How This Grammar Works
por indicates means or method, it functions as an instrumental preposition. This means it introduces the element that facilitates or enables the action of the verb. The linguistic principle at play is the identification of an intermediary: something or someone that acts as a conduit or tool without necessarily being the direct agent or cause.Por highlights the path or channel through which an action takes place, rather than the physical location within something or the direct instrument held in hand. For instance, por internet identifies the network as the channel for information transfer. This function allows for a broader scope than con (with), which typically implies a more direct, often tangible, interaction with an instrument.con un bolígrafo (with a pen) because the pen is the direct tool, but you send un correo electrónico por internet (an email via internet) because the internet is the communication channel.el/la/los/las), their use after por when expressing means can vary. Generally, if the noun following por refers to a specific item or a concept being treated as such, an article is used. However, with many common methods or means, particularly those considered general categories, the article is often omitted.por el teléfono que me diste - through the phone you gave me) versus a general mode (e.g., por teléfono - by phone).por teléfono (by phone) or por correo (by mail) without an article, treating these as established general methods. Yet, if referring to a specific mail service or phone line, an article might reappear. For A1 learners, focusing on the common idiomatic expressions without articles is often the most practical approach.por itself remains invariable; it does not change form based on the noun it precedes.Formation Pattern
por to express means or method is straightforward and follows a consistent structure. You will combine a verb, the preposition por, and a noun or noun phrase that specifies the means. The inclusion of an article (el, la, los, las) between por and the noun is optional and depends on the specific context and common usage.
[Verb] + por + [Noun / Noun Phrase (Means)]
[Verb] + por + (Article) + [Noun / Noun Phrase (Means)]
por for expressing various means. Observe the presence or absence of the article.
enviar (to send) | Envío la carta por correo. | I send the letter by mail. | correo (mail) often used without an article. |
comunicarse (to communicate) | Nos comunicamos por videollamada. | We communicate by video call. | videollamada (video call) often used without an article. |
viajar (to travel) | Viajo por avión. | I travel by plane. | avión (plane) often used without an article. |
hablar (to speak) | Hablo por teléfono. | I speak by phone. | teléfono (phone) often used without an article. |
entrar (to enter) | Entraron por la puerta. | They entered through the door. | puerta (door) typically takes an article for a specific door. |
pagar (to pay) | Pagas por tarjeta. | You pay by card. | tarjeta (card) often used without an article for payment method. |
por itself does not change. Its usage is consistent across different verbs and tenses. The key is to correctly identify the noun that represents the means and to be aware of the idiomatic article usage for that specific noun.
When To Use It
Por for means is used in several distinct categories, each highlighting a different type of channel or method. Understanding these categories will help you apply the rule accurately in various situations.- 1Modes of Transportation:
por to specify the general mode of transport by which someone or something travels. This focuses on the type of vehicle or method of conveyance.¿Cómo vas a la universidad? Voy por autobús.(How do you go to university? I go by bus.)Las mercancías llegaron por barco.(The goods arrived by ship.)Prefiero viajar por tren que por coche.(I prefer to travel by train than by car.)
en is also used with vehicles (e.g., ir en coche - to go in the car), por emphasizes the method of travel rather than being physically inside the vehicle. Por is often used when discussing travel plans or how something is sent, while en describes the current state of being in a vehicle.- 1Channels of Communication:
Por is essential for indicating the medium or channel through which communication occurs. This is particularly relevant in modern digital interactions.Te enviaré la información por email.(I will send you the information by email.)Hablamos por Skype cada semana.(We talk by Skype every week.)Mi amigo me contactó por Instagram.(My friend contacted me via Instagram.)
- 1Methods of Payment:
por is the correct preposition. It denotes the system or instrument used to complete the transaction.¿Puedo pagar por tarjeta de crédito?(Can I pay by credit card?)Solo aceptamos pagos por transferencia bancaria.(We only accept payments by bank transfer.)Prefiero pagar por efectivo.(I prefer to pay by cash.)
con (e.g., con tarjeta) is also common, por specifically highlights the method of payment.- 1Movement Through a Space:
Por indicates movement through, along, or across a specific space or opening. Here, it signifies the channel or pathway taken.El ladrón entró por la ventana.(The thief entered through the window.)Paseamos por el parque cada tarde.(We walk through the park every afternoon.)La luz entra por esa rendija.(The light comes in through that crack.)
por describes the conduit or passage that allows the movement.- 1General Means or Instrumental Cause:
por can express a more general sense of by means of or through the agency of something abstract.Lo supe por casualidad.(I knew it by chance.)Aprende español por práctica constante.(He learns Spanish through constant practice.)
por connects the action to the enabling force or factor.Common Mistakes
por correctly for means often involves differentiating it from other prepositions with seemingly similar meanings. Misinterpretations commonly arise with para, con, and en. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for avoiding errors.- 1
Porvs.Para: This is perhaps the most frequent point of confusion for Spanish learners. Remember,porindicates means (how something is done) or cause (why something is done), whileparaindicates purpose (what something is for) or destination (where something is going).
- Incorrect:
Viajo para avión.(This implies the airplane is the purpose or destination of your travel, which makes little sense.) - Correct:
Viajo por avión.(I travel by means of an airplane.) - Incorrect:
Envío el paquete para correo.(Implies mail is the purpose, not the method.) - Correct:
Envío el paquete por correo.(I send the package by mail.) - Contrastive Example:
Compré este libro por mi hermano.(I bought this book because of my brother – means/cause) vs.Compré este libro para mi hermano.(I bought this book for my brother – purpose/recipient).
- 1
Porvs.Con: While both can sometimes refer to tools or instruments, their emphasis differs.Porhighlights the medium or channel through which an action occurs.Conemphasizes the direct instrument used or accompaniment.
- Incorrect:
Hablo con teléfono.(This implies you are talking with the phone as if it's a person, or directly holding it in a conversational way.) - Correct:
Hablo por teléfono.(I speak via the telephone – medium of communication.) - Incorrect:
Escribo una carta por un lápiz.(Implies the pencil is a channel.) - Correct:
Escribo una carta con un lápiz.(I write a letter with a pencil – direct tool.) - Contrastive Example:
Me comunico por cartas.(I communicate via letters – method) vs.Escribo con una carta.(I write with a letter – grammatically incorrect, as a letter isn't a writing instrument).
- 1
Porvs.Enwith Transportation: This distinction can be subtle and context-dependent.Entypically refers to being physically inside or on a vehicle.Porrefers to the method of transport as a general means or the route taken. In many cases, both can be used, but with slightly different implications.
Voy en coche.(I go in a car. Emphasizes being physically within the vehicle.)Envío el paquete por coche.(I send the package by car. Emphasizes the car as the method of delivery.)Estamos en el tren.(We are on/in the train. Refers to location.)Preferimos viajar por tren.(We prefer to travel by train. Refers to the mode of transportation chosen.)- For A1 learners,
enis generally safer for stating how you personally travel (voy en coche,voy en autobús), whileporis better for general statements about modes of travel or how things are sent (por avión,por correo).
- 1Incorrect Article Usage: As mentioned in
How This Grammar Works, sometimes learners struggle with whether to include an article afterpor. While many common phrases (por teléfono,por correo) omit the article, others require it, especially if the noun is specific (por la ventana). When in doubt for general means, omitting the article is often common. When referring to a clearly defined, single item, include it.
- Incorrect:
Entré por puerta. - Correct:
Entré por la puerta.(Referring to the specific door.) - Incorrect:
Hablo por el teléfono.(While understandable,por teléfonois more natural for general communication.) - Correct:
Hablo por teléfono.
Real Conversations
Understanding por for means is crucial for engaging in authentic, modern Spanish conversations. This preposition appears frequently in everyday discussions about logistics, communication, and daily routines, reflecting the contemporary ways people interact and get things done.
Here are some examples of por in real conversational contexts, demonstrating its natural integration into spoken Spanish:
- Discussing Travel Plans:
- A: ¿Cómo vas a venir a la fiesta el sábado? (How are you coming to the party on Saturday?)
- B: Creo que voy a venir por metro, es más rápido. (I think I'll come by subway, it's faster.)
- A: ¿Tu familia viene en coche? (Is your family coming by car?)
- B: No, esta vez vienen por avión desde su ciudad. (No, this time they're coming by plane from their city.)
- Coordinating via Digital Platforms:
- A: ¿Me pasas las fotos de la excursión? (Can you send me the photos from the excursion?)
- B: Sí, te las envío por WhatsApp ahora mismo. (Yes, I'll send them to you via WhatsApp right now.)
- A: ¿Ya has visto la publicación? (Have you seen the post yet?)
- B: No, ¿la subiste por Instagram o por Facebook? (No, did you upload it to Instagram or to Facebook?)
- A: Necesito hablar con el gerente. ¿Cómo lo localizo? (I need to speak with the manager. How do I reach him?)
- B: Puedes llamarle por teléfono o mandarle un mensaje por correo electrónico. (You can call him by phone or send him an email via email.)
- Everyday Logistics and Payments:
- A: ¿Cómo quieres pagar? (How do you want to pay?)
- B: Voy a pagar por tarjeta, por favor. (I'm going to pay by card, please.)
- A: El paquete no llegó. ¿Lo enviaste por mensajería urgente? (The package didn't arrive. Did you send it by express courier?)
- B: Sí, lo mandé por Correos ayer. (Yes, I sent it via the Post Office yesterday.)
Notice how por seamlessly integrates into these exchanges, indicating the specific methods used for various tasks. It's a natural and common part of how Spanish speakers express the "how" of their actions.
Quick FAQ
por to express means or method.- Q: Can I always use
porto describe the way I travel? - A: Yes, generally, when you're talking about the mode of transport (
por autobús,por tren,por avión). However, when you want to emphasize being inside the vehicle,enis also very common and often preferred for personal travel (voy en coche,estoy en el autobús). For sending things by a vehicle,poris almost always used (envío la carta por avión).
- Q: Why do some phrases like
por teléfonoorpor internetomit the article, while others likepor la ventanainclude it? - A: With communication channels and general modes of transport, the noun is often treated as a general concept or an established system, and the article is omitted for idiomatic reasons. For instance,
teléfonorefers to the system of telephony, not a specific phone. However, when referring to a specific, tangible item that acts as a pathway or entry point (likela ventana- the window), the article is usually necessary because you're referring to a particular object. It's a matter of idiomatic usage and whether the noun represents a general concept or a specific entity.
- Q: Can I use
porfor modern services like Uber or Cabify? - A: Absolutely. It's very common and natural to say
voy por Uberorvamos por Cabifyto indicate that you are using that specific service as your means of transport. These phrases are widely accepted in contemporary Spanish.
- **Q: Is
pagar por tarjetathe only way to say
Structure of 'Por' Phrases
| Preposition | Noun/Medium | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
por
|
tren
|
viajar por tren
|
|
por
|
teléfono
|
hablar por teléfono
|
|
por
|
parque
|
caminar por el parque
|
|
por
|
internet
|
comprar por internet
|
|
por
|
puerta
|
entrar por la puerta
|
|
por
|
avión
|
volar por avión
|
|
por
|
correo
|
enviar por correo
|
|
por
|
televisión
|
ver por televisión
|
Meanings
The preposition 'por' is used to indicate the means, medium, or route through which an action is performed or travel occurs.
Transportation
The vehicle used for travel.
“Voy por autobús.”
“Viajamos por avión.”
Communication
The medium used to exchange information.
“Te llamo por teléfono.”
“Envié la carta por correo.”
Movement Through
Passing through a specific location or route.
“Caminamos por el parque.”
“Entramos por la puerta.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
S + V + por + N
|
Voy por tren.
|
|
Negative
|
S + no + V + por + N
|
No voy por tren.
|
|
Interrogative
|
¿V + por + N?
|
¿Vas por tren?
|
|
Communication
|
V + por + Medium
|
Hablo por Skype.
|
|
Movement
|
V + por + Location
|
Paso por la plaza.
|
|
Agent
|
V + por + Person
|
Escrito por Juan.
|
|
Short Answer
|
Por + N
|
Por avión.
|
|
Clarification
|
V + por + N
|
Lo vi por la tele.
|
Formality Spectrum
Viajo por tren. (Travel)
Voy por tren. (Travel)
Me voy en tren. (Travel)
Me voy en el tren. (Travel)
The Many Uses of Por
Transport
- tren train
- avión plane
Communication
- teléfono phone
- internet internet
Movement
- parque park
- puerta door
Examples by Level
Voy por tren.
I go by train.
Hablo por teléfono.
I talk by phone.
Paso por el parque.
I pass through the park.
Envío la carta por correo.
I send the letter by mail.
Lo vi por televisión.
I saw it on television.
Entramos por la puerta principal.
We enter through the main door.
Viajamos por avión a México.
We travel by plane to Mexico.
Te mando el archivo por email.
I send you the file by email.
El mensaje fue enviado por el director.
The message was sent by the director.
Caminamos por las calles de Madrid.
We walk through the streets of Madrid.
Me enteré por las noticias.
I found out through the news.
Lo pedimos por internet.
We ordered it online.
El paquete fue entregado por mensajería urgente.
The package was delivered by express courier.
La luz entra por la ventana.
The light enters through the window.
Nos comunicamos por videoconferencia.
We communicate via videoconference.
El tren pasa por varios túneles.
The train goes through several tunnels.
La decisión fue tomada por consenso.
The decision was made by consensus.
El sonido se propaga por el aire.
Sound propagates through the air.
Se difundió por todos los medios.
It spread through all media.
Viajamos por rutas alternativas.
We travel via alternative routes.
La influencia se extendió por todo el continente.
The influence spread throughout the continent.
El documento fue redactado por el comité.
The document was drafted by the committee.
La señal viaja por fibra óptica.
The signal travels through fiber optics.
Se movió por el salón con elegancia.
He moved through the room with elegance.
Easily Confused
Learners mix them because both can translate to 'for'.
Both can be used for transport.
Both mean 'through'.
Common Mistakes
Voy para tren.
Voy por tren.
Hablo para teléfono.
Hablo por teléfono.
Paso para el parque.
Paso por el parque.
Envío para correo.
Envío por correo.
Lo vi para la tele.
Lo vi por la tele.
Entro para la puerta.
Entro por la puerta.
Viajo para avión.
Viajo por avión.
Fue hecho para Juan.
Fue hecho por Juan.
Me enteré para las noticias.
Me enteré por las noticias.
Lo pedí para internet.
Lo pedí por internet.
La ley fue aprobada para el congreso.
La ley fue aprobada por el congreso.
Se difundió para todo el país.
Se difundió por todo el país.
Viajamos para rutas secundarias.
Viajamos por rutas secundarias.
Sentence Patterns
Yo viajo por ___.
Hablamos por ___.
Paso por ___.
Lo envié por ___.
Real World Usage
Viajo por avión.
Te escribo por WhatsApp.
Supe del puesto por internet.
Lo pedí por la app.
Pasa por la calle principal.
Lo vi por las noticias.
The 'By' Rule
Don't use 'para'
Communication channels
Regional variations
Smart Tips
Use 'por' for the mode of transport.
Use 'por' for the channel.
Use 'por' for the path.
Use 'por' for the delivery method.
Pronunciation
Por
The 'r' at the end is a soft tap, not a trill.
Statement
Voy por tren ↓
Neutral declarative tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Por' as the 'Portal' through which you travel or send information.
Visual Association
Imagine a train passing through a tunnel. The tunnel is the 'por' (the path).
Rhyme
For the way you go or the phone you use, 'por' is the word you always choose.
Story
Maria wanted to call her friend. She picked up the phone (por teléfono). She decided to visit him by train (por tren). She walked through the park (por el parque) to reach his house.
Word Web
Challenge
For 5 minutes, describe your commute to work or school using only 'por' phrases.
Cultural Notes
In Spain, 'por' is used frequently for transport. You might hear 'Voy en tren' as well, but 'por' is standard for the medium.
Mexicans often use 'por' for communication channels like 'por WhatsApp'.
In Argentina, 'por' is used for movement through neighborhoods.
Comes from the Latin 'per', meaning 'through'.
Conversation Starters
¿Cómo viajas normalmente?
¿Cómo hablas con tus amigos?
¿Qué rutas tomas para ir al trabajo?
¿Cómo te enteras de las noticias?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Viajo ___ tren.
Hablo ___ teléfono.
Find and fix the mistake:
Voy para avión.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I send it by mail.
Answer starts with: Lo ...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Yo / hablar / por / Skype
Entramos ___ la puerta.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesViajo ___ tren.
Hablo ___ teléfono.
Find and fix the mistake:
Voy para avión.
parque / el / por / paso
I send it by mail.
Viajar -> ?
Yo / hablar / por / Skype
Entramos ___ la puerta.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesVoy a la oficina ___ metro.
Instagram / Te / por / sigo
I pay by card.
Match the means:
In which sentence is 'por' used as a 'means'?
Ellos viajan con barco a las islas.
Descargo la música ___ internet.
Send it by mail.
teléfono / Hablan / ellos / por
¿Cómo vienes? Vengo ___ Uber.
La gata sale ___ la ventana.
Escribo mensajes con WhatsApp.
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, 'por' is specific to means, movement, and cause. Don't use it for destination.
It is a preposition and has no gender.
You can use 'en' for the vehicle (en tren), but 'por' emphasizes the medium of travel.
Por is the path; Para is the goal.
Yes, 'por email' is very common.
No, it is invariant.
It's better to say 'por tren' for the general means.
Say 'por autobús'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
par
The usage is almost identical.
durch
German requires different prepositions for communication.
de (で)
Japanese uses a post-positional particle instead of a preposition.
bi (بـ)
It is a prefix attached to the noun.
zuò (坐) / tōngguò (通过)
Chinese relies on verb-based structures rather than prepositions.
by / through
Spanish uses one word ('por') for both.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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