por

Refers to time or place in a general sense

Lo perdí por ahí. = “I lost it around there.”

In exchange for, in place of

Cambié mis euros por dólares. = “I exchanged my euros for dollars.”

Per (day, hour, mile, etc.)

Pagan 1 euro por hora. = “They pay 1 euro per hour.”

By means of

Es más rápido por la autopista. = “It’s faster by the motorway.”

Cause (porque = “because”)

Lo hice porque tenía que hacerlo. “I did it because I had to.”

For the sake or benefit of

Todo lo que hago, lo hago por ti. = “Everything I do, I do it for you.”

In favor of

Yo voto por el partido de izquierda. = “I vote for the left-wing party.”

Para

Purpose (intended for)

Estas flores son para tí. = “These flowers are for you.”

Lo lavé para que lo guardaras. = “I washed it so you can keep it.”

Destination (towards) (informal, used instead of a or hacia)

Voy para el sur. = “I’m going south.”