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"A través de" is a preposition which is often translated as "through", and "por medio" is a phrase which is often translated as "in the way". Learn more about the difference between "a través de" and "por medio" below.
a través de(
ah
 
trah
-
behs
 
deh
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. through
Pasa el hilo a través del ojo de la aguja.Pass the thread through the eye of the needle.
b. across
Cuando tenía 21 años, viajé a través del país.When I was 21 years old, I traveled across the country.
a. through
Conseguí mi trabajo a través de una referencia.I got my job through a referral.
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por medio(
pohr
 
meh
-
dyoh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. in the way
Siempre estás por medio. ¿Quieres hacer el favor de sentarte ahí y dejarnos hacer nuestro trabajo?You're always in the way. Could you please just sit there and let us do our work?
a. all over the place
Los niños dejan todos los juguetes por medio.The children leave their toys all over the place.
3. (every two)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. every other
Vendremos a verte semana por medio.We'll come to see you every other week.
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