Spanish grammar
Para que + subjunctive vs para + infinitive
Explain purpose for someone else with para que + subjunctive.
From the scene Para que lo vean (So that they see it)
In short
Purpose for someone else: para que + subjunctive. Same person: para + infinitive.
- so that they see para que vean
- so that they understand para que entiendan
- so that they don't pay para que no paguen
- (for me) to take a photo para sacar una foto
- (for me) not to mess up para no meter la pata
Your turn
Which one goes with so that they understand?
Options: para que entiendan · para que vean · para que no paguen
Show answer
so that they understand → para que entiendan
How it works
Use para que + subjunctive when the purpose is about someone else: traigo a mis padres para que vean la catedral (so that THEY see).
Good to know
When the same person does both actions, use para + infinitive: practico para no meter la pata (I practise so that I don't mess up).
so that they see para que vean
Javi
Luego traigo a mis padres para que vean la catedral.
Later I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Luego traigo a mis padres (blank) la catedral.
Options: para que vean · para que entiendan · para que no paguen
Show answer
Javi
Luego traigo a mis padres para que vean la catedral.
Later I'll bring my parents so that they can see the cathedral.
so that they understand para que entiendan
Javi
Un poco. Por eso traje un libro, para que entiendan mejor.
A bit. That's why I brought a book, so they understand better.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Un poco. Por eso traje un libro, (blank) mejor.
Options: para que no paguen · para que entiendan · para que vean
Show answer
Javi
Un poco. Por eso traje un libro, para que entiendan mejor.
A bit. That's why I brought a book, so they understand better.
so that they don't pay para que no paguen
Javi
No hace falta. Yo hago de guía para que no paguen.
No need. I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
No hace falta. Yo hago de guía (blank).
Options: para que vean · para que entiendan · para que no paguen
Show answer
Javi
No hace falta. Yo hago de guía para que no paguen.
No need. I'll be the guide so that they don't have to pay.
(for me) to take a photo para sacar una foto
Javi
Sí, para sacar una foto de los tres juntos.
Yes, to take a photo of the three of us together.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Sí, (blank) de los tres juntos.
Options: para que entiendan · para sacar una foto · para que vean
Show answer
Javi
Sí, para sacar una foto de los tres juntos.
Yes, to take a photo of the three of us together.
(for me) not to mess up para no meter la pata
Javi
Por eso practico, para no meter la pata delante de ellos.
That's why I'm practising, so I don't mess up in front of them.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Por eso practico, (blank) delante de ellos.
Options: para no meter la pata · para que vean · para que entiendan
Show answer
Javi
Por eso practico, para no meter la pata delante de ellos.
That's why I'm practising, so I don't mess up in front of them.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| so that they see | para que vean |
|---|---|
| so that they understand | para que entiendan |
| so that they don't pay | para que no paguen |
| (for me) to take a photo | para sacar una foto |
| (for me) not to mess up | para no meter la pata |
More lines from the story
- NuriaBuena idea. ¿Y esa cámara? ¿Para sacar fotos?Good idea. And that camera? To take photos?