In English, “c/o” stands for “care of” and is often used when addressing mail to someone who is staying at a particular location or whose mail is being handled by another person. Here are some synonyms and an analysis:
In the care of: This is a more formal and descriptive way of expressing the same idea. For example, “The package is addressed to John Smith in the care of Mary Johnson.” It emphasizes the responsibility of the person named after “in the care of” to take care of the item or person being referred to.
Via: This can be used in a similar way when indicating that something is being sent through or by someone. For instance, “Send the letter to Jane Doe via her colleague.” It implies a route or means of delivery through the person named.
Through: Similar to “via,” “through” can indicate that something is being passed along or handled by a particular person or entity. “The message was delivered to him through his assistant.” It suggests a process of transmission through the specified intermediary.
These synonyms can be used interchangeably with “c/o” depending on the context and the style of communication. They all convey the idea of someone or something being in the care or under the responsibility of another person.