a través
through
The Spanish word 'a través' is used much in the same manner as 'through' in English. It can imply the motion or positioning of something in a medium (as in, 'walking through the park'), the continuation of a period of time (as in, 'through the years'), or as a preposition in certain verbal expressions (as in, 'look through the window'). Note that 'a través de' might also be used, depending on the context.
Example sentences using: a través
Ella estudia a través de los libros.
She studies through books.
This sentence expresses that 'she' uses books as a means or mode of study.
Camina a través del bosque.
He walks through the forest.
The phrase indicates that 'he' is moving from one point of the forest to another.
La luz brilló a través de las cortinas.
The light shone through the curtains.
This sentence shows that the light is passing through the curtains, perhaps indicating an early morning scene.
Viajamos a través del país.
We traveled across the country.
This sentence is used to convey a comprehensive course or journey across a country.
Aprendí a pintar a través de muchos errores.
I learned to paint through many mistakes.
This phrase expresses that 'I' acquired painting skills through the experience of making and learning from many mistakes.
Se puede ver el jardín a través de la ventana.
You can see the garden through the window.
In this sense, 'a través' indicates that the window acts as a point to see the garden from inside.
Escuché la noticia a través de la radio.
I heard the news through the radio.
This sentence indicates that the radio was the source or medium of the news.
El agua fluye a través de la tubería.
The water flows through the pipe.
Using 'a través' here explains the route the water flows, which in this case is through the pipe.
El maestro enseña a través de la experimentación.
The teacher teaches through experimentation.
In this example, 'a través' indicates that experimentation is used as a method or tool for teaching.
Vio a su amigo a través de la multitud.
He saw his friend through the crowd.
This sentence portrays that 'he' catches sight of his friend over the intervening crowd.