を経て
Via, Through, After (experience at job, university, etc.), Pass through
Structure
Explanation
を経て is a somewhat formal grammar structure that emphasizes a process or a duration of time leading to a certain result. It comes from the る-Verb 経る, which means 'to pass through' or 'to experience'. This is different from 過ぎる ('to pass time'), as 過ぎる simply marks the end of a time period, whereas 経る focuses on the journey or what happened during that entire time. For this reason, を経て often translates to 'after going through (A)', as it highlights the preceding process.
を経て is always preceded by a noun. The clause that follows typically describes the outcome, result, or the significance of the experience or time period that was just mentioned.
- ３年間の厳しい練習を経て、彼女はプロの選手になった。After three years of tough training, she became a professional athlete.
- 何度もの話し合いを経て、やっと計画が決まりました。After numerous discussions, the plan was finally decided.
- 我が社は多くの困難を経て、ここまで大きくなりました。Through many hardships, our company has grown to what it is today.
Because of its formal nuance, を経て is frequently used in written contexts like historical accounts, company profiles, or personal histories.
Examples
新幹線は名古屋を経て博多へ向かいます。
The bullet train is headed for Hakata, via Nagoya.
その祭りは時代の変化を経ても受け継がれている。
Even after going through the changes of the times, that festival has been passed down.
彼らは長い遠距離恋愛を経て、ついに婚約した。
After going through a long long-distance relationship, they finally got engaged.
社長の経歴：「複数の部署での勤務を経て、２０１８年に代表取締役に就任。」
Company President's Profile: 'After working in multiple departments, he was appointed CEO in 2018.'
会議にて：「慎重な審議を経て、この法案は可決されました。」
In the meeting: 'After careful deliberation, this bill has been passed.'
かれはフランスでの留学生活を経て、翻訳家になることを決意した。
After his experience of studying abroad in France, he decided to become a translator.
度重なる話し合いを経て、ようやく両者の合意に至った。
After repeated discussions, both parties finally reached an agreement.
その選手は長いリハビリを経て、見事に競技に復帰した。
After going through a long rehabilitation, the athlete made a magnificent comeback to competition.
彼はいくつかのプロジェクトの成功を経て、チームのマネージャーに昇進した。
After the success of several projects, he was promoted to team manager.
ドバイを経てヨーロッパに行く航空券を予約した。
I booked a flight ticket to Europe via Dubai.
人は苦労を経て、他人に優しくなれるものだ。
It's through hardship that people learn to be kind to others.
作家紹介：「編集者としての経験を経て、執筆活動を開始。」
Author Introduction: 'After her experience as an editor, she began her writing career.'