を経てThrough; after passing through
を経て presents a place, period, experience, or process as an intervening stage on the way to a later destination or result. It is more than a formal word for “after”: the idea of passing through that stage matters.
A stage on the way to a result
The noun before を経て is viewed as part of a route. That route may be geographic, but it may also be a period of training, a series of discussions, an official review, or another process. The main clause then states the destination, outcome, or later state reached through it.
Routes and processes
In each example, the phrase before を経て is an important part of the path leading to the result.
代表団はシンガポールを経て、ジャカルタに到着した。
The delegation reached Jakarta via Singapore.
AnalyzeSingapore is an intermediate point on a geographic route.
長期の審議を経て、法案は可決された。
After an extended process of deliberation, the bill was passed.
AnalyzeThe deliberations are presented as the process through which the bill reached approval.
三年間の研修を経て、彼女は正式に技師として採用された。
Following three years of training, she was formally hired as an engineer.
AnalyzeThe training is a developmental stage leading to her appointment, not merely an earlier event.
Passage through a stage versus use of an intermediary
を経て foregrounds the route or stage through which something progresses. By contrast, を通して often foregrounds a person or organization used as the intermediary or means.
申請書は担当部署を経て、審査委員会に送られる。
The application is sent to the review committee after passing through the responsible department.
AnalyzeThe department is a stage in an institutional route.
申請書は担当者を通して提出してください。
Please submit the application through the person in charge.
AnalyzeHere the person is primarily the intermediary used for submission.
More examples
幾度もの試作を経て、新型電池が完成した。
The new battery was completed after numerous prototypes.
Analyze復旧工事を経て、鉄道路線は半年ぶりに全線開通した。
Following restoration work, the entire railway line reopened for the first time in six months.
Analyze彼は二度の転職を経て、現在は出版社で働いている。
After two job changes, he now works for a publishing company.
Analyze研究成果は学内審査を経て、国際誌に掲載された。
The research findings were published in an international journal after undergoing an internal review.
Analyzeこの製品は複数の安全試験を経て、市場に投入された。
This product was released onto the market after passing multiple safety tests.
Analyze古い街道は山あいの集落を経て、海岸へと続いている。
The old highway passes through a mountain village and continues to the coast.
Analyze