Comparison Standard with 'Para'
para to judge something relative to the norms of its category, just like saying good *for* a beginner.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'para' to set a standard of comparison, indicating that something is high or low relative to a specific expectation.
- Use 'para' to express that something is excessive or insufficient relative to a standard: 'Está frio para um dia de verão.'
- Connect an adjective or adverb to a noun or pronoun that acts as the benchmark: 'Ele é alto para a idade dele.'
- Use it to indicate suitability or capacity: 'Este carro é pequeno para cinco pessoas.'
Overview
The preposition para in Portuguese serves a multitude of functions, from indicating purpose and destination to expressing deadlines and opinions. One of its most nuanced and crucial roles, particularly at the B1 CEFR level, is to establish a standard for comparison. This usage allows you to qualify a statement, presenting a judgment or observation not as an absolute truth, but as relative to a specific frame of reference.
Instead of declaring something as simply bom (good) or caro (expensive), you can specify bom para um iniciante (good for a beginner) or caro para esta região (expensive for this region). This subtly shifts the meaning, acknowledging a specific context or set of expectations against which the assessment is made.
Understanding this function of para is vital for achieving genuine fluency and native-like expression in Portuguese. It moves your communication beyond simple declarative sentences, enabling you to articulate more complex, conditional judgments that reflect real-world nuances. Without it, your statements might sound overly definitive or even naive.
Consider the difference between Ele é forte (He is strong) and Ele é forte para a idade dele (He is strong for his age). The latter provides crucial context, suggesting that while he may not be strong compared to an Olympic weightlifter, his strength is remarkable given his age.
This grammatical construction is not just about adding detail; it's about conveying a particular viewpoint or expectation. It implies a known or inferred benchmark. When you say É barato para um carro de luxo, you're not just stating a price; you're acknowledging that while the price might be high in absolute terms, it's low when considering the category of luxury cars.
This nuanced expression is pervasive in both formal and informal Portuguese, appearing in reviews, social commentary, personal observations, and everyday conversations.
How This Grammar Works
para is used to establish a standard, it acts as a linguistic pivot, transforming an absolute judgment into a relative one. The core principle is that a quality (e.g., speed, intelligence, cost) is being evaluated in light of or considering the context of a particular group, category, or situation. This function is analogous to the English use of "for" in phrases like "tall for his age" or "good for a first attempt." The expectation or norm for the reference group (age, first attempt) modifies the perception of the quality (tall, good).X é Y (X is Y) becomes X é Y para Z (X is Y for Z), where Z provides the standard against which Y is measured. The implication is that the judgment Y might be different if the standard Z were different.Este vinho é bom para o preço implies that the wine's quality is high relative to its cost, suggesting it might not be considered bom if price were not a factor.para doesn't assign purpose or destination, but rather creates a comparison against an expected norm. It implies a general understanding of what is typical for the given standard. If you say É fácil para mim, you're expressing that your personal skill level makes the task easy, not that the task is universally easy.para a powerful tool for subjective assessment that remains grounded in an objective (or at least commonly understood) baseline. It often carries a subtle implication of surprise or noteworthiness – the subject either exceeds or falls short of the typical expectation for its category.Ele é rápido para a idade dele.(He is fast for his age.) – The expected speed for his age is a lower benchmark.O apartamento é pequeno para o aluguel.(The apartment is small for the rent.) – The expected size for that rent is larger.Este livro é complexo para o nível B1.(This book is complex for the B1 level.) – The expected complexity for a B1 reader is lower.
para here functions to establish a conditional positive or negative assessment. The assessment Y is true, provided you consider Z as the benchmark. This makes your communication more precise and less prone to misinterpretation, allowing you to express sophisticated observations about the world around you.Formation Pattern
para to establish a standard of comparison is consistently straightforward. It typically involves a subject, a verb (most commonly ser or estar), an adjective or adverb describing the quality, followed by para, and then the noun phrase that sets the standard. This pattern allows for clear and unambiguous communication of the relative judgment.
[Subject] + [Verb (ser/estar most common)] + [Adjective/Adverb] + PARA + [Article/Determiner] + [Reference Noun/Noun Phrase]
[Subject]: The person, object, or concept being described or judged. Examples: Ele (He), O carro (The car), A situação (The situation), Falar português (Speaking Portuguese).
[Verb]: Usually ser (to be – for inherent qualities or definitions) or estar (to be – for temporary states or conditions). Other verbs can also be used, especially with adverbs. Examples: é (is), está (is), fala (speaks), corre (runs).
[Adjective/Adverb]: The quality or manner being evaluated. This is the core judgment. Examples: inteligente (intelligent), barato (cheap), bem (well), rápido (fast), muito (much/very – used with verbs/adjectives).
PARA: The crucial preposition linking the judgment to its standard.
[Article/Determiner]: Often an indefinite article (um, uma, uns, umas) or a definite article (o, a, os, as). Demonstrative pronouns (este, essa), possessives (meu, sua), or even numbers can also function here to specify the reference. This article or determiner is essential unless the reference noun is a proper noun or already implicitly defined. For example, you'd say para uma criança (for a child) but para mim (for me) or para Lisboa (for Lisbon).
[Reference Noun/Noun Phrase]: The standard or context against which the subject is being compared. This could be a person (um iniciante), a group (os estudantes), a place (este bairro), a time (o inverno), an object type (um celular básico), or even a pronoun (ele, você, nós, mim, ti, etc.).
PARA | Article/Determiner | Reference Noun/Phrase | Complete Phrase (English) |
Ele | é | alto | para | a | idade dele | He is tall for his age. |
O preço | está | bom | para | o | que oferece | The price is good for what it offers. |
Ela | canta | bem | para | uma | amadora | She sings well for an amateur. |
O restaurante | é | caro | para | este | tipo de comida | The restaurant is expensive for this type of food. |
Você | aprendeu | rápido | para | alguém | sem experiência | You learned fast for someone without experience. |
Está | quente | (implied fazendo)| para | o | mês de março | It's hot for March. (Or, It's doing hot for March.) |
Está quente para o mês de março, the verb estar refers to the general weather condition, and the adjective quente is followed directly by para. The implied subject is often o tempo (the weather) or a temperatura (the temperature), or it functions as an impersonal construction. When a pronoun acts as the reference (e.g., mim, ti, ele, ela, nós, vocês, eles, elas), it follows para directly without an intervening article. For example, É difícil para mim (It's difficult for me) rather than É difícil para o eu.
When To Use It
para is incredibly versatile and allows you to add a layer of specificity and comparative judgment to a wide array of statements. Mastering its use will significantly enhance your ability to express nuanced observations, criticisms, and commendations in Portuguese. Here are some of the most common contexts in which you'll encounter and use this pattern:- Evaluating Quality Relative to Price/Category: This is perhaps one of the most frequent applications, particularly in consumer contexts, reviews, or general commentary on goods and services. You're assessing whether something lives up to, exceeds, or falls short of the expectations for its price point or product category.
Este celular é muito bom para o preço.(This phone is very good for the price.) – Implies that phones at this price are usually not this good.A qualidade é baixa para uma marca tão famosa.(The quality is low for such a famous brand.) – Suggests higher quality is expected from this brand.O serviço foi péssimo para um restaurante cinco estrelas.(The service was terrible for a five-star restaurant.)
- Assessing Performance or Ability Relative to a Group/Standard: When you want to comment on someone's skill, talent, or performance, but you need to factor in their experience level, age, background, or inherent characteristics. This often implies a deviation from the norm for that group.
Ele corre muito rápido para a idade dele.(He runs very fast for his age.) – His speed is exceptional considering his age.Ela fala português muito bem para quem nunca morou no Brasil.(She speaks Portuguese very well for someone who never lived in Brazil.) – Her proficiency is remarkable given her lack of immersion.Você é muito organizado para um artista.(You are very organized for an artist.) – Playing on a stereotype that artists are typically disorganized.
- Commenting on Conditions Relative to Time/Place: This use often applies to weather, local conditions, or events, comparing the current situation to what is typically expected for a given time of year, location, or circumstance.
Está frio para maio.(It's cold for May.) – May usually has warmer temperatures.O trânsito está leve para uma sexta-feira à noite.(The traffic is light for a Friday night.) – Friday nights typically have heavy traffic.A praia estava muito cheia para ser baixa temporada.(The beach was very crowded for low season.)
- Expressing Personal Perception or Difficulty: While not strictly a comparison against a group,
para mim/para vocêetc., falls into this category by setting a personal standard. You're indicating that a task's difficulty (or ease) is relative to your own capabilities or experience. A prova foi fácil para mim.(The test was easy for me.) – Others might have found it difficult.É difícil para ele entender conceitos abstratos.(It's difficult for him to understand abstract concepts.) – This is his personal struggle.
- Backhanded Compliments or Sarcasm: As in English, this construction can be used to deliver a compliment that is subtly undercut by the standard chosen, or to convey sarcasm by setting an ironically low or inappropriate benchmark. This requires careful consideration of context and tone.
Você cozinha bem para um solteiro.(You cook well for a single man.) – Implies single men aren't typically good cooks.Sua resposta foi rápida para o seu QI.(Your answer was quick for your IQ.) – This is clearly sarcastic and insulting.
para enriches your descriptive capabilities, allowing for more nuanced and context-aware communication. It's a hallmark of intermediate to advanced proficiency, moving beyond simple declarations to conditional assessments.Common Mistakes
para as a standard of comparison due to its multiple meanings and similarities to other prepositions. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for clear and idiomatic Portuguese. Understanding why these mistakes occur is the first step towards correcting them.- Confusing
Para(Standard) withPor(Cause/Reason/Exchange): This is arguably the most common and significant error. Both prepositions can sometimes appear to translate to "for" in English, leading to direct translation issues. However, their underlying functions are distinct. Para(Standard): Sets a benchmark or frame of reference. The quality is judged in consideration of the standard. It answers the question, "Compared to what?"- Example:
Ele é inteligente para um aluno de 10 anos.(He is intelligent for a 10-year-old student.) – His intelligence is high relative to what's expected of a 10-year-old. Por(Cause/Reason/Exchange): Indicates the cause, reason, motive, or something given in exchange for something else. It answers "Because of what?" or "In exchange for what?"- Example:
Ele foi elogiado por ser inteligente.(He was praised for being intelligent.) – His intelligence was the reason for the praise. - Example:
Troquei meu carro por um novo.(I traded my car for a new one.) –Porindicates exchange.
para establishes a comparative context, while por establishes a causal or exchange relationship. If you can replace "for" with "considering that it is" or "relative to," you likely need para. If you can replace it with "because of," "due to," or "in exchange for," then por is probably correct.- Omitting the Article/Determiner: Portuguese often requires articles or determiners (e.g.,
um,uma,o,a) before nouns where English might not. Forgetting them afterparawhen establishing a standard sounds unnatural and grammatically incorrect. - Incorrect:
É difícil para iniciantes. - Correct:
É difícil para os iniciantes.orÉ difícil para um iniciante.(It's difficult for beginners/a beginner.) - Incorrect:
Ele é baixo para jogador de basquete. - Correct:
Ele é baixo para um jogador de basquete.(He is short for a basketball player.)
este/essa) is almost always necessary before the reference noun, unless the reference is a proper noun or a pronoun (e.g., para mim, para você, para Lisboa).- Overgeneralization of "For": Directly translating every instance of English "for" into
parais a common pitfall.Parahas many uses, but so doespor, and sometimes neither is correct. Always consider the specific function of "for" in the English sentence before translating. - English: "I bought a gift for my mother." (Purpose/Recipient)
- Portuguese:
Comprei um presente para minha mãe.(Correct use ofparafor purpose/recipient) - English: "I walked for two hours." (Duration)
- Portuguese:
Caminhei por duas horas.(Useporfor duration) - English: "He works for Google." (Employment)
- Portuguese:
Ele trabalha na Google.(Useem+ article for employment location)
- Misjudging When a Standard is Implied vs. Stated: Sometimes,
parais necessary to make the nuance clear, but learners might omit it, making an absolute statement when a relative one is intended. Esta máquina é boa.(This machine is good.) – Absolute statement.Esta máquina é boa para o preço.(This machine is good for the price.) – Relative statement, implying it's good considering its cost, which might be low.
para (standard) and por (cause/exchange), consistently including articles, and avoiding direct translation of "for," you'll master this particular para usage.Real Conversations
Understanding how para functions as a comparison standard is best solidified by observing its use in authentic, everyday Portuguese communication. This isn't just a formal grammar rule; it's deeply embedded in how native speakers express nuanced observations, both casually and professionally. You'll find it in texting, social media comments, spoken dialogue, and even more formal reviews or discussions.
In Texting/Social Media:
Due to character limits and the desire for concise expression, this para construction is highly efficient for conveying quick, qualified opinions.
- User 1: Vi o filme novo. Não é tão bom quanto o primeiro. (I saw the new movie. It's not as good as the first.)
- User 2: Verdade, mas é bom para uma continuação. (True, but it's good for a sequel.)
Here, para uma continuação sets the bar lower, acknowledging that sequels often disappoint.*
- Reviewer: O show foi incrível! A energia da banda é surreal. (The show was incredible! The band's energy is surreal.)
- Commenter: Concordo! Principalmente para uma banda independente. (I agree! Especially for an indie band.)
The commenter highlights the band's independent status as a standard, elevating the praise.*
In Spoken Dialogue (Brazilian Portuguese - informal):
This construction is often used to adjust expectations or provide contextual understanding in conversation.
- A: E aí, como foi o primeiro dia de trabalho dela? (So, how was her first day of work?)
- B: Ah, foi ok. Ela pegou rápido, para quem nunca trabalhou na área. (Ah, it was okay. She caught on fast, for someone who never worked in the field.)
Speaker B qualifies the "ok" and "fast" with her lack of prior experience, setting a lower standard.*
- A: Nossa, o João está enorme! Parece que cresceu uns 20 centímetros. (Wow, João is huge! Looks like he grew about 20 centimeters.)
- B: Sim, mas ele é magro para a altura dele. (Yes, but he's thin for his height.)
Speaker B introduces a proportional comparison: he's tall, but not proportionally heavy.*
In Formal or Professional Contexts (e.g., reviews, reports):
Even in more structured language, para as a standard provides precision, allowing for objective evaluation rooted in established criteria.
- O desempenho da equipe foi satisfatório para as condições do projeto. (The team's performance was satisfactory given the project conditions.)
Implies that while not perfect, it was acceptable considering the challenging circumstances.*
- A pesquisa apresentou resultados promissores para um estudo inicial. (The research showed promising results for an initial study.)
Acknowledges that as a preliminary study, perfection is not expected, but the findings are encouraging.*
This broad application demonstrates that para as a comparison standard is not just a grammatical curiosity but a fundamental element of nuanced expression in Portuguese, allowing speakers to convey complex ideas efficiently.
Quick FAQ
para as a comparison standard can clarify lingering doubts and solidify your understanding.Yes, it absolutely can be, just as in English. Phrases like Você fala bem português para um estrangeiro (You speak Portuguese well for a foreigner) or Você é bem arrumado para um programador (You're well-dressed for a programmer) often come across as backhanded compliments or microaggressions. They imply that the speaker holds a stereotype about the reference group (foreigners can't speak well, programmers are messy) and that the subject is an exception. While sometimes intended innocently, they can be offensive because they highlight a perceived deficit in the group rather than simply praising the individual. Use with extreme caution and awareness of your audience and context. When in doubt, omit the para clause and offer a direct compliment: Você fala português muito bem! (You speak Portuguese very well!)
para as a standard be used with verbs or adverbs, not just adjectives?Yes, frequently. While the core formula often features an adjective, para can qualify adverbs that modify verbs, or even the verb itself in certain constructions. It works by setting a standard for how an action is performed.
- With an adverb modifying a verb:
Ele corre rápido para a idade.(He runs fast for his age.) – Here,rápidois an adverb modifyingcorre, andpara a idadesets the standard forrápido. - Qualifiying an action implicitly:
Demorou pouco para o tanto de trabalho.(It took little time for the amount of work.) –Pouco(little) refers to time taken, qualified by the volume of work. - When the statement itself is about an action:
É difícil para mim acordar cedo.(It's difficult for me to wake up early.) – The difficulty of the actionacordar cedois relative tomim.
um/uma or o/a after para?Almost always, yes, unless the reference is a proper noun or an unstressed personal pronoun (like mim, ti, ele, etc.). The article or determiner is crucial for specifying the reference group or item. Forgetting it is a common grammatical error.
- Necessary article:
É caro para um restaurante na praia.(It's expensive for a restaurant on the beach.) - Necessary article:
Achei fácil para o nível de dificuldade.(I found it easy for the difficulty level.) - No article (pronoun):
Isso é novidade para mim.(That's new for me.) - No article (proper noun):
É um bom lugar para São Paulo.(It's a good place for São Paulo.) – Implies good by São Paulo's standards.
The fundamental structure and meaning of para as a comparison standard are consistent across both major variants of Portuguese. You will find this construction used in the same contexts and with the same implications in Brazil, Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking countries. Any differences would likely be in the specific vocabulary used in the comparative phrase itself, or regional preferences for certain adjectives/adverbs, rather than a divergence in the grammatical function of para.
Absolutely. In fact, it's very common to use it to express that something doesn't meet a certain standard.
Não é suficiente para o projeto.(It's not enough for the project.) – Implies the project requires more.Ele não é muito alto para um jogador de vôlei.(He's not very tall for a volleyball player.) – Suggests he's shorter than the average volleyball player.
para in negative contexts strengthens your ability to express dissatisfaction or unmet expectations with precision.Standard Comparative Structure
| Subject | Verb | Adjective | Preposition | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
O carro
|
é
|
caro
|
para
|
o meu orçamento
|
|
Ela
|
é
|
jovem
|
para
|
o cargo
|
|
O dia
|
está
|
quente
|
para
|
o inverno
|
|
A mesa
|
é
|
pequena
|
para
|
seis pessoas
|
|
O preço
|
está
|
alto
|
para
|
este produto
|
|
Eles
|
são
|
rápidos
|
para
|
a idade deles
|
Common Contractions (Brazilian Portuguese)
| Preposition | Article | Contraction |
|---|---|---|
|
para
|
o
|
pro
|
|
para
|
a
|
pra
|
Meanings
The preposition 'para' is used to establish a relative standard, indicating that a quality is measured against a specific expectation or norm.
Relative Standard
Comparing a quality to an expected norm.
“Ela é muito jovem para o cargo.”
“O preço está alto para este produto.”
Capacity/Suitability
Measuring if something fits a specific requirement.
“A mesa é pequena para tantas pessoas.”
“O tempo é curto para tanta tarefa.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + Verb + Adj + para + Standard
|
É caro para mim.
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + não + Verb + Adj + para + Standard
|
Não é caro para mim.
|
|
Question
|
Verb + Subj + Adj + para + Standard?
|
É caro para você?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Sim/Não + para + Standard
|
Sim, para mim é.
|
|
Plural
|
Subj (pl) + Verb (pl) + Adj + para + Standard
|
São caros para nós.
|
|
Past Tense
|
Subj + Verb (past) + Adj + para + Standard
|
Foi caro para o orçamento.
|
Formality Spectrum
O preço é elevado para as minhas possibilidades. (Shopping)
O preço é alto para mim. (Shopping)
Tá caro pra mim. (Shopping)
Tá puxado pra mim. (Shopping)
The 'Para' Comparison Map
Standard
- Idade Age
- Orçamento Budget
Evaluation
- Caro Expensive
- Pequeno Small
Examples by Level
Este livro é difícil para mim.
This book is difficult for me.
A sopa está quente para a criança.
The soup is hot for the child.
O sapato é pequeno para o meu pé.
The shoe is small for my foot.
É muito cedo para sair.
It is too early to leave.
A casa é grande para duas pessoas.
The house is big for two people.
O preço é alto para este serviço.
The price is high for this service.
Ele é jovem para ser gerente.
He is young to be a manager.
Está frio para um dia de verão.
It is cold for a summer day.
O salário é baixo para o custo de vida.
The salary is low for the cost of living.
A tarefa é complexa para o tempo disponível.
The task is complex for the available time.
Ela é muito talentosa para a sua idade.
She is very talented for her age.
Este carro é potente para a cidade.
This car is powerful for the city.
O investimento é arriscado para o perfil do cliente.
The investment is risky for the client's profile.
A medida é drástica para a situação atual.
The measure is drastic for the current situation.
O texto é denso para um público geral.
The text is dense for a general audience.
A estrutura é frágil para o peso suportado.
The structure is fragile for the supported weight.
A decisão foi precipitada para a gravidade do caso.
The decision was hasty for the gravity of the case.
O tom é informal para uma reunião de diretoria.
The tone is informal for a board meeting.
A solução é simplista para um problema tão complexo.
The solution is simplistic for such a complex problem.
O desempenho foi medíocre para o potencial demonstrado.
The performance was mediocre for the demonstrated potential.
A retórica é ambígua para um discurso de tamanha importância.
The rhetoric is ambiguous for a speech of such importance.
A interpretação é anacrônica para o contexto histórico.
The interpretation is anachronistic for the historical context.
O estilo é barroco para a sobriedade exigida.
The style is baroque for the required sobriety.
A proposta é utópica para a realidade econômica vigente.
The proposal is utopian for the current economic reality.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'por' for comparisons because it sounds like 'for'.
Learners use 'de' to describe attributes (e.g., 'alto de idade').
Learners use 'em' for location and sometimes confuse it with the standard.
Common Mistakes
É grande para eu.
É grande para mim.
É caro de mim.
É caro para mim.
É muito para a idade.
É muito para a idade dele.
Para mim é grande.
É grande para mim.
A casa é pequena por eles.
A casa é pequena para eles.
É alto para o seu idade.
É alto para a sua idade.
É caro para o comprar.
É caro para comprar.
O salário é baixo para a custo.
O salário é baixo para o custo.
É difícil para que eu faça.
É difícil para mim.
Está frio para o verão.
Está frio para um dia de verão.
A medida é drástica para a situação.
A medida é drástica para a situação atual.
É muito otimista para a realidade.
É muito otimista para a realidade da situação.
O desempenho foi medíocre para o potencial.
O desempenho foi medíocre para o potencial demonstrado.
Sentence Patterns
Este ___ é ___ para ___.
Ele é ___ para ___.
A situação é ___ para ___.
O desempenho foi ___ para ___.
Real World Usage
Você está muito elegante para este evento!
Tenho a qualificação necessária para a vaga.
A porção é pequena para duas pessoas.
Está longe para ir a pé.
Tá caro pra mim, amigo.
O texto é denso para o público-alvo.
Check the Gender
Don't use 'de'
Use 'pra' in Brazil
Context is Key
Smart Tips
Use 'para' to anchor your adjective to a standard.
Use 'pra' to sound like a local.
Avoid contractions like 'pra' or 'pro'.
Ask yourself: is this a standard or a cause?
Pronunciation
Reduction of 'para'
In casual Brazilian Portuguese, 'para' is often reduced to 'pra'.
Contractions
When 'para' meets 'o', it becomes 'pro'.
Declarative
É caro ↘ para mim.
Neutral statement of fact.
Interrogative
É caro ↗ para você?
Seeking confirmation or opinion.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Para sets the bar: if you compare, use 'para' there!
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side is the object, on the other is the 'para' standard. If the object is too heavy for the standard, it tips the scale.
Rhyme
When you want to compare, use 'para' with care.
Story
Maria went to buy a dress. She picked a beautiful one, but it was too small. She said, 'Este vestido é pequeno para o meu tamanho.' The clerk agreed, 'Sim, é pequeno para você.' Maria learned that 'para' is the perfect tool for measuring expectations.
Word Web
Challenge
Look at 3 items in your room and write a sentence for each using 'para' to compare them to your needs (e.g., 'Esta cadeira é confortável para trabalhar').
Cultural Notes
The reduction 'pra' is ubiquitous in all but the most formal settings. It is considered standard in spoken language.
The full form 'para' is preferred in most contexts, though 'pra' is understood.
Usage follows European Portuguese patterns, favoring the full form in formal writing.
The preposition 'para' evolved from the combination of 'por' and 'a'.
Conversation Starters
O que você acha deste preço?
Este trabalho é difícil para você?
Você acha que ele é jovem para o cargo?
Como está o tempo para esta época do ano?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Este sapato é grande ___ mim.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
O salário é baixo de o custo.
O carro custa muito dinheiro. (Use 'caro')
A: Este trabalho é difícil? B: Sim, é difícil ___.
para / é / mim / caro / este / .
A casa é ___ para a família.
Está frio ___ um dia de verão.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEste sapato é grande ___ mim.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
O salário é baixo de o custo.
O carro custa muito dinheiro. (Use 'caro')
A: Este trabalho é difícil? B: Sim, é difícil ___.
para / é / mim / caro / este / .
A casa é ___ para a família.
Está frio ___ um dia de verão.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesEsta casa é grande ___ o preço.
Faz muito calor ___ abril.
Select the correct Portuguese sentence:
Choose the correct interpretation:
Você cozinha bem por um homem.
É tarde por uma criança.
inverno / quente / para / Está / o
barato / para / computador / É / um
She is tall for her age.
Not bad for a beginner.
Match the sentence parts.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, only for standards of comparison or purpose. Don't use it for cause.
No, it's informal and very common in Brazil.
To specify the standard. 'Para a idade' is specific, 'para idade' is not.
If you are comparing, use 'para'. If you are explaining a cause, use 'por'.
Yes, as long as it makes sense to compare that quality.
Yes, the grammar is the same, though 'pra' is less common.
Use 'para' + the person (e.g., 'para mim').
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
Scaffolded Practice
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4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
para
The usage is nearly identical, making it very easy for Spanish speakers.
pour
French often uses 'pour' but requires different structures for comparison.
für
German uses 'für' but the word order is more rigid.
ni shite wa
The structure is completely different, placing the standard before the adjective.
bi-al-nisbati li
Arabic uses complex prepositional phrases instead of a single preposition.
duì yú... lái shuō
Chinese requires a framing structure rather than a simple preposition.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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