per mezzo di
/per ˈmɛd.d͡zo di/word by word
The English word 'by' can be expressed in Italian as per mezzo di, mediante or tramite.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| per mezzo di | /per ˈmɛd.d͡zo di/ (word by word) |
| mediante | /meˈdjan.te/ |
| tramite | /ˈtra.mi.te/ |
These terms are used to indicate a means.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase per mezzo di literally translates to 'for means of'.
Which one should you use?
Per mezzo di is more wordy and slightly more formal or literary than the more common tramite.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tramite is a formal option used when referring to communication or contact made through a specific medium, such as administrative or professional channels. In informal speech, the word con can sometimes be used to express the idea of 'by' when referring to methods or means.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tramite functions as a preposition and does not change its form regardless of the noun that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The formal word mediante is actually a borrowed term from Medieval Latin that literally describes someone 'being in the middle'.
- In Italian, the concept of 'means' can be expressed through words that literally describe a middle point or a medium.
- While tramite is used for professional channels, using it in very casual settings can sound unexpectedly stiff to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Andai a Londra tramite Parigi.I went to London by way of Paris.This sentence shows how to describe a route taken via a specific location using tramite.Tatoeba #13080370 by Guybrush88, translation #255434 by CK
- Tramite posta aerea, per piacere.By air mail, please.This sentence uses tramite to request a specific method of delivery.Tatoeba #703853 by Guybrush88, translation #701563 by Eldad
- Contattami tramite posta ordinaria.Contact me by ordinary mail.This sentence demonstrates how to use tramite to specify a channel for contact.Tatoeba #2356436 by Guybrush88, translation #1331019 by Eldad
- Questo libro è scritto dal famoso autore italiano.This book is written by the famous Italian author.
- Ho ricevuto il pagamento per bonifico.I received the payment by bank transfer.
- Ho inviato l'invito tramite email.I sent the invitation by email.
- L'ho sentito da Giulia.I heard it from Giulia.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing how to send a large document.
- AlessandroCome possiamo inviare questo contratto?How can we send this contract?
- SofiaPossiamo farlo per mezzo di una raccomandata.We can do it by means of registered mail.
- AlessandroÈ il modo più sicuro, Sofia.It is the safest way, Sofia.
- SofiaSì, è meglio così.Yes, it's better that way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations and entries per mezzo di, mediante, tramite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (per, mezzo, di) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, mediante, mezzo, per, per mezzo di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
