Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Care With Purpose in Spanish
This guide focuses on explaining the intentions behind your caregiving actions. In Spanish, we use the preposition 'para' followed by an infinitive to express purpose when the subject of both actions is the same.
What you'll learn
- Express purpose using 'para + infinitivo'
- Describe baby care routines in detail
- Identify when to switch to 'para que + subjuntivo' for different subjects
Spanish phrases for care with purpose
Me siento en esta silla para alimentarte cómodamente.
I sit in this chair in order to feed you comfortably.
Uses 'para' + infinitive 'alimentar'.
Reviso el agua del baño para asegurarme de que no esté demasiado caliente.
I check the bath water in order to make sure it isn't too hot.
Asegurarse is a reflexive infinitive attached to 'para'.
Empaco dos pañales de repuesto para estar listo para nuestro paseo.
I pack two spare nappies in order to be ready for our walk.
Note the repetition of 'para', first for purpose, then for destination/intent.
Me lavo las manos para preparar tu comida de forma segura.
I wash my hands in order to prepare your food safely.
'De forma segura' is a natural way to say 'safely'.
Me acerco para escuchar mejor tus soniditos.
I move closer in order to hear your little sounds better.
'Soniditos' is a common diminutive for baby sounds.
Me arrodillo a tu lado para ayudarte a alcanzar tu juguete.
I kneel beside you in order to help you reach your toy.
'Ayudarte a' is the standard construction for 'to help you to'.
Hablo bajito para no interrumpir tu siesta.
I speak quietly in order to avoid disturbing your nap.
'Para no' is used to express negative purpose (in order not to).
Pongo tu juguete a tu alcance para que puedas recogerlo tú mismo.
I put your toy within reach so that you can pick it up yourself.
Switch to 'para que + subjunctive' because the subject changes from 'I' to 'you'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Pañales de repuesto
Spare nappies/diapers
'Repuesto' refers to a replacement or spare item.
A tu alcance
Within your reach
Used both literally and figuratively.
Hablito bajito
To speak softly/quietly
'Bajito' is the diminutive of 'bajo' (low).
Siesta
Nap
Specifically refers to the daytime sleep period.
Purpose Clauses with 'Para'
When the person performing the main action and the purpose action is the same, use 'para' + the infinitive (base form of the verb).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Same Subject | Para + Infinitivo | Leo para aprender. |
| Different Subjects | Para que + Subjuntivo | Leo para que tú aprendas. |
More examples
Caliento la leche para que no esté fría.
I warm the milk so that it isn't cold.
Uses subjunctive 'esté' because the milk is the subject of the temperature.
Uso este jabón para cuidar tu piel.
I use this soap in order to take care of your skin.
Simple purpose clause with infinitive 'cuidar'.