手早い答え
através de は文字通り空間を通り抜け、por meio de は手段・方法を明確に表します。
確実な見分け方は、英語から訳す前に、その単語の働きを見きわめることです。
それぞれの単語の働き
através de
through or across
Use através de for movement from one side to another, or figuratively through an intermediary.
por meio de
by means of
Use por meio de for the instrument, method, or resource used to achieve something.
選び方
- através de: Choose através de if the sentence points to movement from one side to another, or figuratively through an intermediary.
- por meio de: Choose por meio de if the sentence points to the instrument, method, or resource used to achieve something.
例文
A luz entrou através da janela.
The light came through the window.
O pagamento foi feito por meio do aplicativo.
The payment was made through the application.
よくある落とし穴
Figurative através de is established in current usage, but formal prose often prefers por meio de when no crossing is involved.
文脈の中で練習する
自分の実生活から文を一つ選び、二回書いてみましょう。一度はatravés deで、もう一度はpor meio deで。どちらも成り立ちそうなら、意味の違いを言葉にしてみましょう。