¿Para qué me llamaste?
What did you call me for?
¿Para qué le dices eso si sabes que a él no le gusta?
What are you telling him that for/why are you telling him that when you
know he doesn’t like it?
¿Para qué lo quiere?
What does he/she want it for?25.1.22 (p. 126); 25.1.23 (p. 127)
43.5 Expressing purpose
To express purpose, Spanish uses several constructions, of which the most common are
those which carry the preposition para (see 25.1.22).43.5.1 Para que+ subjunctive
Para is followed by que plus a subjunctive when the subject of the main verb is
different from that of the complement verb.
18.2.1 (p. 86)
Lo traeré para que lo veas.
I’ll bring it so that/in order that you may see it.
He cerrado la puerta para que no me molesten.
I’ve closed the door so that/in order that they will not bother me.
Note sequence of tense agreement between the main verb and complement verb. A
main verb in the preterite or imperfect, for instance, will be followed by a complement
verb in the imperfect subjunctive, especially when the latter refers to the past. 16.1.1.3 (p. 61); 19.2 (p. 95)
Fuimos a Sevilla para que Pepe conociera a su abuela.
We went to Seville so that/in order that Pepe could meet his
grandmother.
La traíamos todos los años para que nos acompañara en nuestras
vacaciones.
We used to bring her every year so that/in order that she would
accompany us on our holidays.
When the complement verb refers to the present or to the future, this often takes the
present subjunctive, even when the main verb is in the past. 16.1.1.3 (p. 61); 19.2 (p. 95)
Ayer llevé el coche al garaje para que lo reparen.
I took the car to the garage yesterday so that/in order that they will
repair it.
Te llamaba para que no te olvides de lo que acordamos ayer.
I was calling you so that/in order that you don’t forget what we agreed
yesterday.EXPRESSING CAUSE, EFFECT AND PURPOSE 43.5