Question 1

Why do we use por here instead of para?

Accepted Answer

In this sentence, por indicates movement through, by, or past a place. Because you are describing the route you take (passing by the site), you use por. If you used para, it would mean the construction site is your final destination, as in heading to that construction site.

Question 2

I learned that obra means a play or work of art. Why is it translated as a construction site here?

Accepted Answer

The word obra broadly means a work or project. While it is definitely used for creative works like a play (obra de teatro), in everyday conversation about the street or city, una obra refers to a construction site, roadwork, or a building project.

Question 3

Could paso por mean 'I go through' instead of 'I go by'?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The phrase pasar por can mean to pass by, to go through, or to travel along. Depending on the exact context, No paso por esa obra could mean you do not go through that construction site, or you do not go past it.

Question 4

Why is it esa instead of ese or eso?

Accepted Answer

Because obra is a feminine, singular noun, it needs the feminine, singular word for 'that', which is esa. You would use ese for a masculine noun, like ese edificio (that building). The word eso is only used for abstract, unidentified ideas or situations, and is never placed directly before a noun.

No paso por esa obra.

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