Usage Note
Por expresses cause, agent, duration, exchange, and movement through a place — contrasting sharply with para, which marks purpose, destination, deadline, and recipient. A quick test: por answers 'because of / by means of', while para answers 'in order to / intended for'. Common fixed phrases include por favor 'please', por eso 'therefore', and por fin 'at last'.
Examples
"Gracias por tu ayuda."
Natural Translation
Thank you for your help.

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