via
/ˈvi.a/
The English phrase 'via' can be translated into Italian as via or per.
Meaning: by (means of), using (a medium) (prep)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| via | /ˈvi.a/ |
| per | /per/ |
Both words express the concept of 'by (means of)' or 'using (a medium)'. via is frequently used to describe travel routes, such as a specific city one passes through or in technical contexts involving transmission, such as 'via satellite'.
Which one should you use?
via is often used in more formal or technical contexts to describe a route or a medium. In contrast, per is the more common and general preposition used for 'by' or 'through'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈvi.a/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In an Italian household, if someone shouts via!, they are not suggesting a route, but are actually shouting 'Get out!' or 'Go away!'
- The phrase via via is used in Italian to mean 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
- The English word 'via' actually comes from the Latin word for 'road', meaning that when you say 'via satellite' in English, you are literally saying 'road satellite'.
Examples in context
- Viaggiò da Boston a San Francisco passando per Chicago.She traveled from Boston to San Francisco via Chicago.This sentence shows the use of via to describe a travel route.Tatoeba #2188907 by Guybrush88, translation #312173 by CK
- Alcuni ospedali stanno esplorando l'idea di visite virtuali tramite Skype o per telefono.Some hospitals are exploring the idea of virtual visits via Skype or by phone.This sentence illustrates the use of per when describing a medium or method of communication.Tatoeba #8611770 by Guybrush88, translation #8611404 by Hybrid
- La maggior parte delle strutture è facilmente raggiungibile con i mezzi pubblici locali, ma questi mezzi di trasporto pubblico sono generalmente in ritardo e il loro costo è in progressivo aumento, per cui si consiglia di muoversi a piedi o in bicicletta per risparmiare tempo e denaro.Most of the facilities are easily accessible via local public transportation, but public transportation is generally behind the times, and its cost keeps increasing, so it is advisable to go by foot or bicycle to save money and time.This sentence uses per to describe a mode of transportation.Tatoeba #2581398 by Guybrush88, translation #1151666 by AlanF_US
- Si può raggiungere il museo attraverso la piazza principale.You can reach the museum via the main square.
- Il documento è stato inviato per mezzo di posta elettronica.The document was sent via email.
- Si prega di inviare le informazioni tramite fax.Please send the information via fax.
- Ho prenotato il volo con l'applicazione mobile.I booked the flight via the mobile app.
- È possibile raggiungere il centro città attraverso la metropolitana.You can reach the city center via the subway.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing how to send a document.
- MartinaMi invii il file via email?Will you send me the file via email?
- MatteoCertamente, Martina, lo faccio subito.Certainly, Martina, I'll do it right away.
- MartinaGrazie, Matteo, mi serve per domani.Thanks, Matteo, I need it for tomorrow.
- MatteoNon ti preoccupare, riceverai tutto via email oggi.Don't worry, you will receive everything via email today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “via” translations and entries via, per, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries per, via, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
