Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a lo largo de | /a lo ˈlaɾɡo de/ |
| durante todo | /duɾante todo/ (from spelling rules) |
| en todo | /en todo/ (from spelling rules) |
In Spanish, you must choose your phrase based on whether you are describing physical space, a duration of time or a fixed expression. Use a lo largo de for spatial extent, durante todo for time and en todo for specific idiomatic expressions like 'throughout the world'. Other ways to express being in every part of a place include por todo…, while de arriba abajo and completamente are used to mean 'everywhere'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a lo largo de literally translates to 'along the length of'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ primarily by their dimension: a lo largo de is used for spatial 'throughout' describing something spreading through a physical space or linear extent, whereas durante todo is the preferred form for temporal 'throughout' referring to a duration of time. The form en todo is typically used in fixed expressions, such as en todo el mundo (throughout the world).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/a lo ˈlaɾɡo de/
Did you know?
- In the phrase a lo largo de, the word lo acts as a neuter article, a remnant of the Old Spanish use of lo to mean 'the' for impersonal or abstract concepts.
- To express 'throughout' as in 'from top to bottom', Spanish speakers use the phrase de arriba abajo, which literally means 'from above below'.
Examples in context
- El fuego se propagó a lo largo de la casa.The fire spread throughout the house.This sentence shows how to use a lo largo de to describe fire spreading through a house.Tatoeba #1291935 by marcelostockle, translation #23874 by CK
- El té es un trago popular en todo el mundo.Tea is a popular beverage throughout the world.This sentence illustrates the use of en todo in the fixed expression for 'throughout the world'.Tatoeba #3890108 by marcelostockle, translation #2653805 by sundown
- La noticia causó alerta a lo largo de la villa.The news caused alarm throughout the village.This sentence demonstrates a lo largo de describing the spread of news through a village.Tatoeba #1733974 by marcelostockle, translation #45211 by CM
- El tour estará disponible en todo el paísThe tour will be available throughout the country
- Había música por todas partesThere was music everywhere
- El perro ladró todo el tiempoThe dog barked throughout the entire time
- Leí el libro de cabo a raboI read the book from cover to cover
- El informe se discutirá a lo largo de la reuniónThe report will be discussed throughout the meeting
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking in a park during a festival.
- DanielHay mucha gente a lo largo de la calle.There are many people throughout the street.
- SofíaSí, el festival es muy grande.Yes, the festival is very big.
- DanielMira cuántas luces hay a lo largo del camino.Look how many lights there are throughout the path.
- SofíaEs muy bonito, Daniel.It is very beautiful, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “throughout” translations and entries a lo largo de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, durante, en, largo, lo, todo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
