In this article, we are going to focus on a phrase that often puzzles learners: a través de. It’s crucial to understand when and how to use a través de in Spanish. This phrase has several potential meanings. Depending on the context of the sentence, it will mean through, during, by way of, across, etc.

When to Use A través de in Spanish

In this article, we’ll explore various scenarios where a través de fits perfectly, enhancing your fluency and comprehension. Let’s have a look at some examples to understand how and when to use a través de in Spanish.

A través de (through)

A través de means through when talking about something (noise, light,etc.) coming through or passing through from one place to another.

Es peligroso pasar a través de la zona industrial.

Passing through the industrial zone is dangerous.

Ellos escucharon un llanto a través de la puerta.

They heard a crying through the door.

No duermo bien aquí porque la luz pasa a través de las cortinas.

I don’t sleep well here because the light passes through the curtains.

A través de (across)

A través de can be translated as across, like in these examples.

La calle principal va a través del pueblo.

The main street goes across town.

Este año he viajado a través de Europa y África.

I have traveled across Europe and Africa this year.

La sabana se extiende a través de gran parte de África.

The savannah spreads across a big part of Africa.

A través de (during, over)

A través de can mean during or over when speaking about time.

Ellos se conocieron mejor a través de varias citas.

They got to know each other better over the course of several dates.

A través de los años han crecido juntos y ahora son grandes amigos.

Over the years they have grown up together and they are good friends now.

Los problemas económicos han afectado a su relación a través de los años.

Economic troubles have affected their relationship over the years.

A través de (by way of, through, via)

A través de can be translated as by way of, through or via when describing how someone travels from one location to another.

Llegaremos al otro lado a través de ese túnel.

We’ll get to the other side through that tunnel.

Iremos a la costa oeste a través de Nueva York.

We’ll go to the west coast via New York.

Pasaremos a través de las montañas para llegar a su pueblo.

We will pass through the mountains to get to her town.

A través de (from, through)

A través de can also be used as from or through if you are explaining by what means information became known.

Oí las noticias a través de la radio.

I heard the news from the radio.

Se enteró de que su mujer estaba embarazada a través de su madre.

He learned that his wife was pregnant from her mom.

Los titulares llegaron a la redacción a través de las redes sociales.

The headlines arrived to the editorial office through the social media.

Exercises

This article was written to help you understand how and when to use a través de in Spanish. In our blog, you can also review when to use a, con, por or para. Now let’s do some exercises to practice when to use a través de in Spanish.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Categorized in:

PrepositionsGrammar