Estar por / estar para + infinitive

In our Spanish classes in Madrid, we teachers frequently find that we need to explain the difference between two similar but different prepositions: POR and PARA. Given their complexity, we think that the most effective way to face them is to study them in small doses, depending on the learning level in Spanish.

In this post, I am going to focus on two structures: ESTAR PARA + Infinitive and ESTAR POR + Infinitive. There are some basic differences in meaning in the Spanish language we speak in Spain. I suggest that it is better to deal with these aspects in a Spanish class with a level of at least B1.2 or B2.

ESTAR PARA + Infinitivo

• It is used to express the immediate availability to do something (to be about to do something):
  • “Estoy para acostarme ya”
  • “Estaba para salir cuando él llegó”
  • “El cielo está muy oscuro, está para llover”
• It is used to express that something is ready or ready to be made. It has a passive meaning:
  • “Estos zapatos están para tirar”
  • “¡Qué naranja tan bonita, está para comérsela!”
  • “¡No tardéis, la comida está para servir!”

ESTAR POR + Infinitivo

• It is used to express the willingness or preference to do something:
  • “Estoy por decirle la verdad, no me gusta que le engañen”
  • “Estoy por irme, esta reunión es muy desagradable”
• It is used to express that the thing dessignated by the subject is pending:
  • “El horario de la clase está por confirmar”
  • “Está por decidir qué comida y bebida compramos para la fiesta”

We hope that these examples help you understand better the difference between "estar por" and "estar para", so you can go further in the understanding of "por" and "para" prepositions.