Spanish Phrase
Es para los daños, no para pagar el alquiler.
Meaning
This sentence clarifies that a certain amount of money or resource is intended to cover damages, and it cannot be used to pay the rent. It draws a clear distinction between two possible uses of the same fund.
When to use
Use it when you need to explain the allocation of a deposit, insurance payout, or any money set aside for repairs, emphasizing that it is not available for rent payments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esparalosdaños,noparapagarelalquiler.
Ser (Es)
Use 'es' (from ser) to define or identify the purpose of something.
para + infinitive
'Para' followed by an infinitive expresses purpose or intended use.
no para + infinitive
Place 'no' before 'para' to contrast what something is NOT intended for.
Definite article with nouns
'Los' and 'el' specify known, specific items (the damages, the rent).
Infinitive after para
When the purpose involves an action, use the infinitive form of the verb (pagar).
🗨In Conversation
¿Podemos usar el depósito para el alquiler este mes?
Can we use the deposit for the rent this month?
Es para los daños, no para pagar el alquiler.
It's for the damages, not for paying the rent.
✕Common Mistakes
Es por los daños, no por pagar el alquiler.
Use 'para' to express purpose; 'por' indicates cause or reason.
Es para los daños, no para pagar el alquileres.
The noun 'alquiler' is singular; do not add an unnecessary 'es' at the end.
↔Alternatives
Sirve para los daños, no para el alquiler.
It serves for the damages, not for the rent.
Está destinado a los daños, no al alquiler.
It is intended for the damages, not for the rent.
Se usa para reparar, no para pagar la renta.
It is used for repairs, not for paying the rent.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, security deposits (depósito de garantía) are legally separate from rent (alquiler). When discussing them, speakers often stress the purpose with 'para' and contrast it with 'no para'. Avoid using 'por' here, as 'por' indicates cause rather than purpose.