This is the 17th most frequent Portuguese word.
pela
"pela" = "through the," "by the," or "for the" (feminine singular, contraction of "por" + "a").
Here, 'pela' is the contraction of 'por' (by/through) and 'a' (the, feminine), indicating movement through.
Passei pela ponte ontem.
I passed by the bridge yesterday.
In this case, 'pela' is used to mean 'for,' showing the reason or cause of the gratitude.
Agradeço pela sua ajuda.
I thank you for your help.
'Pela' functions as the contraction of 'por' and 'a,' indicating expectation or desire for an upcoming event or item.