How to say "by" in this circumstance

Question

How do you say "by" in circumstances where you are talking about accomplishing something by doing something else? For example:

He got out of trouble by blaming the accident on his brother.

"How did you do so well on the test?" "By studying and doing the homework."

We want to help fix the situation by educating the public.

She saved money on her electric bill by turning off the light when she wasn't in the room.

I never really know how to say things like this. What are my options?

Thanks

¿Cómo debo expresar la palabra "by" en las frases arriba en español?

Gracias

Good question, I addressed this in your other post before seeing this, as far as alternatives, I'll leave that to other users. - avispao, Jan 23, 2013

Terribly good question! I look forward to avispao's reply. - annierats, Jan 23, 2013

Me alegro de que tengas ganas de leer mis opiniones acerca del idioma español, gracias. - avispao, Jan 23, 2013

Answer 1

When the English word "by" can be substituted by "by means of" it is generally translated by "por". For example:

"Voy a confirmarlo por correo"

"El motor funciona por electricidad"

This may help with some of your examples. You tube is loaded with "Por and Para" video lessons.

Answer 2

I don't know that you would want to directly translate the word "by" in these examples. I decided to translate each of these sentences impartially(?) (I'm not sure if this is the correct word) and I did not really use any direct translation of "by." Here are my alternatives.

Él evitó meterse en líos, echándole la culpa a su hermano. (Él le echó la culpa a su hermano y así logró evitar meterse en líos.)

¿Cómo lograste sacar una buena nota en el examen? He estudiado y trabajado mucho.

Para resolver este problema proponemos educar al público.

Ella se ahorra mucho dinero con tan sólo apagar las luces que no estén en uso.

Perfecto. Supondré que se puede usar "Estudié y trabajé mucho" intercambiablemente con "he etc" - avispao, Jan 23, 2013

de acuerdo, compañero avispao! - unMica, Jan 23, 2013

Una cosita, no sobreestimes mi nível de español... jaja... soy estudiante como los demás. Por si acaso no lo sabías, jaja. - avispao, Jan 23, 2013

vale, no te preocupes, todos somos estudiantes aquí! me cae que tu nivel de español es bien avanzado, así que habrás dedicado mucho tiempo a estudiar y practicar. por eso pareces un maestro del sitio, jaja - unMica, Jan 23, 2013

Jaja! Muchas gracias, valoro mucho las amables palabras. Sí, he pasado muchas horas estudiando el idioma concienzudamente, con la ayuda de muchos hispanohablantes de todos lados. Ayudo siempre que sea posible. - avispao, Jan 24, 2013

Answer 3

I'll have a go for the first one.

Re-write it

He evaded trouble by putting the blame on his brother.

Él evadió problemas al poner la culpa a su hermano.

By can be many things in Spanish:

por - is often used.

The room measures 20 metres by 30. / La habitación mide 20 metros por 30.

I want to be home by 10 o’clock. / Quiero estar en casa para las 10.

Answer 4

Siempre echaba culpa a su hermano. He always used to blame his brother.

Estudiando duro ,el chico tenía éxito en los examines. By studying hard, the boy was successful in the exams.

Queríamos ayudar al pueblo por la educación -- We want to help the people by edycating them .( I'm not sure about this one)

Ahorró por apagar la luz más possible. She saved by turnign off the light as much as possible.

I hope to finish by 4 o''clock : Espero acabar antes de las cuatro

These are suggestions only. I stand to be put in my place, but at least it will get the ball rolling for you. By answering, I attract corrections and more answers.

Para las 4 is how you say by in the above temporal context. - afowen, Jan 23, 2013

Answer 5

Yo suelo utilizar el participio presente para expresar "by" en este sentido. Por ejemplo, "I built the house by using bricks" se traduciría al español "Construí la casa usando ladrillos."