a través de
/a tɾaˈbes de/
The English phrase 'through' is translated into Spanish as a través de.
a través de is used to express moving from one side to the other. You can also use vía to convey the meaning of 'through'.
Meaning: from one side to the other (adv)
Which one should you use?
While a través de emphasizes movement from one side to the other or a physical or metaphorical penetration, the word por is often used more simply to indicate the path or route taken.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase a través de remains unchanged regardless of whether the object it precedes is singular, plural, masculine or feminine. However, when a través de is followed by a masculine singular noun with a definite article, the combination of 'de + el' must contract to a través del.
How do you pronounce it?
/a tɾaˈbes de/
Did you know?
- The word través in a través de likely entered the Spanish language as a loanword from Catalan.
- The word por, often translated as 'through', can imply a general area, whereas a través de insists on the actual crossing from one side to the other.
Examples in context
- Tom vio a través de Mary.Tom saw right through Mary.This sentence shows how to use a través de to describe seeing through someone.Tatoeba #1167478 by marcelostockle, translation #1164238 by CK
- Un río corre a través del valle.A river flows through the valley.This sentence illustrates using a través de to describe a river flowing through a valley.Tatoeba #1945947 by marcelostockle, translation #522643 by blay_paul
- El río fluye a través del bosque.The river winds through the forest.This sentence demonstrates using a través de to describe a river winding through a forest.Tatoeba #1517047 by marcelostockle, translation #45756 by sundown
- Podemos enviarle la información a través de correo electrónico.We can send you the information through email.
- La solicitud debe ser enviada por medio de correo certificado.The application must be sent through registered mail.
- Logré resolver el problema mediante un enfoque diferente.I managed to solve the problem through a different approach.
- Lo supe a través de Juan.I found out through Juan.
- Encontramos una manera de llegar por el bosque.We found a way to get through the forest.
- Caminamos por el parque.We walked through the park.
- El congreso se llevará a cabo del lunes al viernes.The congress will take place from Monday through Friday.
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking in a park during a sunny day.
- DanielMira la luz a través de las hojas, Elena.Look at the light through the leaves, Elena.
- ElenaEs muy bonito, Daniel.It is very beautiful, Daniel.
- DanielVamos a caminar a través del jardín.Let's walk through the garden.
- ElenaMe parece una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a través de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a través de, de, través, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
