atravesar
“atravesar” means “to cross” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to cross, to go across
Also: to traverse
📝 In Action
Necesitamos atravesar el puente para llegar al otro lado.
A2We need to cross the bridge to get to the other side.
El tren atraviesa los campos de trigo muy rápido.
B1The train crosses the wheat fields very quickly.
to pierce
Also: to run through, to penetrate
📝 In Action
La bala atravesó la pared de yeso.
B2The bullet pierced the plaster wall.
El cuchillo atravesó la carne fácilmente.
B2The knife ran through the meat easily.
to go through, to experience
Also: to undergo
📝 In Action
La compañía atraviesa una crisis financiera sin precedentes.
C1The company is going through an unprecedented financial crisis.
Después de la cirugía, tuvo que atravesar un largo proceso de rehabilitación.
C1After the surgery, he had to undergo a long rehabilitation process.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "atravesar" in Spanish:
to cross→to experience→to penetrate→to pierce→to traverse→to undergo→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: atravesar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'atravesar' in its figurative sense (meaning to experience a difficulty)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the late Latin term *trānsversāre*, formed from *trāns* (meaning 'across' or 'beyond') and *versus* (meaning 'turned'). The word literally describes the action of turning or moving across something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'atravesar' a regular verb?
No, 'atravesar' is an irregular verb. It has a 'stem change' where the 'e' changes to 'ie' in certain present tense forms (like 'yo atravieso'). However, in the past tenses (like the Preterite and Imperfect), it behaves completely regularly.
What is the difference between 'atravesar' and 'cruzar'?
Both mean 'to cross.' 'Cruzar' is often used for simple crossings (like streets or arms), while 'atravesar' often implies moving across a larger or longer distance, or going *through* something (like a forest, a desert, or a difficult time).