para que
conjunctionCEFR B1
What does “para que” mean in English?
so that, in order that
so that, in order that (para que + subjunctive — always, different subjects)
Example sentences
El profesor repitió la explicación tres veces para que todos los alumnos entendieran el concepto.
The teacher repeated the explanation three times so that all students understood the concept.
Te dejo el número de mi médico para que lo llames si te sientes peor antes de la cita.
I'm leaving you my doctor's number so you can call him if you feel worse before the appointment.
Salí temprano de casa para llegar a tiempo a la reunión de las ocho de la mañana.
I left home early in order to arrive on time for the eight o'clock meeting.
How to use it
Para que means 'so that' or 'in order that' and always triggers subjunctive — without exception. It introduces a purpose clause: 'Te lo explico para que lo entiendas'. When the subjects of the main clause and the purpose clause are the same, use para + infinitive instead: 'Estudio para aprender' (I study to learn — same subject). Para que is the most frequent purpose conjunction at B1 and is essential for expressing intentions and goals across all registers.
Common mistake
Para que always takes subjunctive — never indicative. And when subjects are identical, the que is dropped entirely: para + infinitive. *'Salí temprano para que llegara a tiempo' is ungrammatical if the same person is both leaving and arriving — it must be 'para llegar a tiempo'. This same-subject / different-subject distinction is the core error point.