a través de
vs
encima de

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"A través de" is a preposition which is often translated as "through", and "encima de" is a phrase which is often translated as "on". Learn more about the difference between "a través de" and "encima de" below.

a través de(

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

1. (from one side to the other)

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.

2. (by means of)

a. through

Conseguí mi trabajo a través de una referencia.I got my job through a referral.

encima de(

)

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (on the surface of)

a. on

¿De quién son esos libros que hay encima del sofá? - Son míos, ahora los quito.Whose books are those on the sofa? - They're mine. I'll take them off in a minute.

b. on top of

Las llaves están encima de la mesa.The keys are on top of the table.

2. (over)

a. above

Vivimos en el apartamento encima de la tienda.We live in the apartment above the store.

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