Spanish · C1 · Everyday language
The Code That Opens Your Reading Book in Spanish
This guide helps you explain formal school terminology to your child by translating instrumental phrases into natural Spanish. We focus on 'by means of' (mediante) to describe tools and how to simplify these for everyday conversation.
What you'll learn
- Identify and use 'mediante' for formal school instructions.
- Distinguish between instrumental 'means' and causal 'reasons'.
- Paraphrase formal 'means' into simpler language using 'con' or 'usando'.
- Apply C1-level Spanish to academic school contexts.
Spanish phrases for the code that opens your reading book
El libro de lectura se puede abrir mediante un código de acceso; eso simplemente significa que usamos este código.
The reading book can be opened by means of an access code—that just means we use this code.
'Mediante' is the formal equivalent of 'by means of'.
Podemos comprobar tu respuesta mediante una recta numérica o, más sencillamente, con esta fila de números.
We can check your answer by means of a number line, or, more simply, with this row of numbers.
'Con' is a natural, less formal alternative to 'mediante'.
Puedes llevar el control de tus ahorros mediante una pequeña tabla de ahorros.
You can keep track of your pocket money by means of a little savings chart.
'Llevar el control' is a natural way to say 'keep track'.
El club deportivo registra la asistencia mediante un carné de socio, así que vamos a poner el tuyo en tu mochila.
The sports club records attendance by means of a membership card, so let's put yours in your bag.
'Carné' is the standard term for an ID or membership card.
Podemos calcular la ruta escolar mediante este mapa; las obras en la carretera son la razón por la que necesitamos una ruta diferente.
We can work out the school route by means of this map; the roadworks are the reason we need a different route.
Distinguishes the tool (mapa) from the cause (obras).
Tu profesor comparte los deberes mediante la aplicación del colegio, no a causa de la aplicación.
Your teacher shares the homework by means of the school app, not because of the app.
Contrast 'mediante' (tool) with 'a causa de' (cause).
Podemos clasificar tus libros mediante etiquetas de colores; en casa, yo simplemente diría que los estamos clasificando con pegatinas.
We can sort your books by means of coloured labels; at home, I'd just say we're sorting them with stickers.
Shows the shift from formal 'mediante' to informal 'con'.
El aviso del club dice que nos inscribimos mediante un formulario en línea, lo que significa que lo rellenamos en el ordenador.
The club notice says we register by means of an online form, which means we fill it in on the computer.
'Rellenar' is the common verb for filling out a form.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
mediante
by means of / through
Preposition used to indicate the instrument or method. It is common in formal/academic Spanish.
a través de
through / by way of
Often interchangeable with mediante when referring to a medium (e.g., through an app).
recta numérica
number line
Standard school term for a line with numbers used in math.
carné de socio
membership card
Commonly used for clubs or libraries.
Instrumental Phrases: Mediante vs. Con
In formal Spanish, 'mediante' functions as a preposition to identify the tool used. In casual parent-child talk, 'con' or 'usando' (using) is preferred.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Tool | mediante + noun | Se identifica mediante el DNI. |
| Casual Tool | con + noun | Se hace con el carné. |
| Cause (Not Tool) | a causa de / debido a | Llegamos tarde a causa del tráfico. |
More examples
¿Cómo entramos? Mediante esta llave digital.
How do we get in? By means of this digital key.
Practical use of the instrumental phrase.
El profesor explica la lección mediante dibujos.
The teacher explains the lesson by means of drawings.
Identifying the method of instruction.