Fetching things with "a por"
In English, we often say "I am going for the groceries" or "I am going to get the groceries." In Spain, to express the purpose of going to fetch or retrieve something, use the double preposition a por.
| for (to go get) | a por |
| I am going to the supermarket for the fabric softener. | Voy al supermercado a por el suavizante. |
Verbs of motion
Because a por implies movement toward a goal, it pairs perfectly with verbs of motion like ir (to go), venir (to come), salir (to go out), and bajar (to go down).
| We are going to go out for the order now. | Vamos a salir a por el encargo ahora. |
| My sister has come for the firewood. | Mi hermana ha venido a por la leña. |
| We need to go down for the coal. | Necesitamos bajar a por el carbón. |
Running everyday errands
You will hear a por all the time when running an errand (un encargo) or fetching household supplies like firewood, animal feed, or a scouring pad.
| I went to the forest for the firewood yesterday. | Ayer fui al bosque a por la leña. |
| Are you going for the animal feed? | ¿Vais a por el pienso? |
| He got nervous and went for the scouring pad. | Se puso nervioso y fue a por el estropajo. |
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