Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 conjunction #8,000 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

não obstante

Top 8,000

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps não obstante in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung não obstante in your Level:

At the A1 level, you do not need to use 'não obstante'. It is much too formal and complex for beginners. Instead, you should focus on learning 'mas' (but). If you see 'não obstante' in a text, just remember it means 'but' or 'however'. It is a very long word for a simple idea! At this stage, your goal is to build basic sentences. For example: 'Eu gosto de café, mas não gosto de chá.' (I like coffee, but I don't like tea.) 'Não obstante' would be like wearing a three-piece suit to learn how to swim—it's just too much for now. Just recognize it as a 'stop and look for a contrast' sign.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you are starting to connect your ideas more smoothly. You probably know 'apesar de' (in spite of). 'Não obstante' is like a very fancy version of 'apesar de'. You might see it in news headlines or formal announcements. You don't need to use it in your speaking yet, but you should understand it when you read it. If you see 'Não obstante a chuva...', just think 'Apesar da chuva...'. The main difference is that 'não obstante' doesn't need the 'de'. It's a 'Level 2' way of showing that something unexpected happened despite a certain situation.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate speaker. You should start recognizing 'não obstante' as a formal connector used in writing. You might try using it in a formal letter or an essay for your Portuguese class to impress your teacher. Remember the two ways to use it: as a preposition at the start of a sentence ('Não obstante o calor...') or as a conjunction between two ideas ('Estava calor; não obstante, ele usou casaco'). At this level, you should be careful not to use it in casual conversations with friends, as it will sound very 'bookish'. Focus on the punctuation: always put a comma after it when it starts a sentence or follows a semicolon.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'não obstante' correctly in formal writing and academic contexts. You should understand the nuance it brings—it's not just 'but', it's a formal acknowledgment of a counter-point. You should be able to distinguish between its prepositional use (followed by a noun) and its conjunctive use (linking two clauses). You should also know that 'não obstante' does not require 'de', which is a common error. At this level, you should use it to vary your sentence structure in essays, alternating it with 'entretanto', 'todavia', and 'no entanto' to show a high command of Portuguese connectors.

At the C1 level, 'não obstante' should be a natural part of your formal vocabulary. You should use it with precision in legal, academic, or professional documents. You understand the stylistic impact of placing it in different parts of a sentence. You can use it to create complex, rhythmic prose that flows logically. You also know its historical context and can identify when an author is using it to evoke a specific tone or character trait. At this level, you don't just know what it means; you know exactly when it is the 'perfect' word to use instead of its synonyms, based on the desired 'weight' of the sentence.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like mastery of 'não obstante'. You can use it in its most subtle forms, including rare literary structures. You are aware of its Latin roots (non obstante) and how this influences its usage in modern legal Portuguese. You can play with the register, perhaps using it ironically in a semi-formal context or with absolute authority in a technical paper. You never confuse it with other concessive markers and can explain the subtle differences between 'não obstante', 'malgrado', and 'conquanto' to others. Your use of the word is seamless and contributes to a sophisticated, elegant style of communication.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

não obstante in 30 Sekunden

A formal conjunction and preposition meaning 'notwithstanding' or 'nevertheless' in English.
Used primarily in academic, legal, and literary contexts to show a contrast between two ideas.
Does not require the preposition 'de' after it, unlike the more common 'apesar de'.
Essential for advanced learners (B2+) to improve the sophistication of their formal writing style.

The Portuguese expression não obstante is a sophisticated conjunction and preposition that translates most directly to 'notwithstanding,' 'nevertheless,' or 'in spite of' in English. It is a high-register term, primarily found in formal writing, legal documents, academic essays, and serious journalism. While you might not hear it in a casual conversation at a bar in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro, you will certainly encounter it in a Supreme Court ruling or a philosophical treatise. Its primary function is to introduce a contrast or a concession, indicating that the following information does not prevent the previous statement from being true.

Grammatical Classification: It functions as both a concessive conjunction (linking two clauses) and a preposition (followed by a noun phrase). This dual nature makes it incredibly versatile for advanced writers.

Understanding the nuance of 'não obstante' requires recognizing its weight. In English, we often use 'but' or 'however' for contrast. In Portuguese, while 'mas' or 'porém' are common, 'não obstante' adds a layer of intellectual rigor and formality. It suggests that the speaker has carefully considered the opposing factor but maintains their position. It is often used to acknowledge a difficulty before presenting a result or a fact that persists despite that difficulty.

O projeto enfrentou inúmeros atrasos; não obstante, os resultados finais foram excelentes.

Translation: The project faced numerous delays; nevertheless, the final results were excellent.

Historically, the term is a direct inheritance from Latin 'non obstante,' which was frequently used in ecclesiastical and legal Latin to indicate that a specific rule or fact did not stand in the way of a particular action. In modern Portuguese, it retains this sense of 'nothing stands in the way.' When used as a preposition, it typically precedes a noun: 'Não obstante o cansaço, ele continuou a correr' (In spite of the fatigue, he continued to run). Note that when used this way, it does not require a 'que' unless it is introducing a full clause.

Syntactic Positioning: As a conjunction, it can appear at the beginning of a sentence or after a semicolon. As a preposition, it always precedes the element it is contrasting.

In the context of the CEFR B2 level, mastery of 'não obstante' signifies a transition from intermediate fluency to advanced proficiency. It shows an ability to structure complex arguments and vary sentence rhythm. Overusing it can make your writing seem 'stiff,' but using it correctly in the right context demonstrates a deep command of Portuguese stylistic norms. It is particularly useful in the 'Redação' (essay) portion of exams like the CELPE-Bras or the CAPLE exams, where logical connectors are heavily evaluated.

Não obstante as críticas recebidas, o diretor decidiu manter sua visão artística original.

Translation: Notwithstanding the criticism received, the director decided to maintain his original artistic vision.

Using não obstante correctly involves understanding its two primary grammatical roles: the prepositional role and the conjunctive role. Each role requires a slightly different sentence structure, and mastering both is essential for high-level Portuguese composition.

1. Prepositional Use: In this role, 'não obstante' is followed directly by a noun phrase. It functions exactly like 'apesar de'. Example: 'Não obstante a chuva, fomos ao parque.' (In spite of the rain, we went to the park.)

When used as a preposition, 'não obstante' is often placed at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage for a contrast. It can also appear in the middle of a sentence, though this is less common. It is important to note that you do not need the preposition 'de' after 'não obstante'—this is a common error even for native speakers who confuse it with 'apesar de'.

Não obstante todos os avisos meteorológicos, os pescadores saíram para o mar aberto.

Translation: Notwithstanding all meteorological warnings, the fishermen went out to the open sea.

2. Conjunctive Use (Adversative): In this role, it connects two independent clauses, functioning like 'entretanto' or 'no entanto'. Example: 'Ele queria viajar; não obstante, não tinha dinheiro.' (He wanted to travel; nevertheless, he had no money.)

When acting as a conjunction, 'não obstante' is usually preceded by a semicolon or a full stop and followed by a comma. This punctuation is vital for the flow of formal Portuguese. It marks a sharp turn in the logic of the paragraph. It is also possible to use 'não obstante' followed by the word 'que' to introduce a subordinate clause, but this is extremely rare and usually replaced by 'embora' or 'ainda que'.

Another advanced use is placing 'não obstante' at the end of a clause, although this is quite archaic and mostly found in 19th-century literature. For modern usage, stick to the beginning of the sentence (preposition) or the middle of the sentence between two clauses (conjunction). The key to sounding natural while using such a formal term is to ensure the surrounding vocabulary is of a similarly high register. Mixing 'não obstante' with slang or very simple verbs can create a jarring stylistic clash.

A evidência empírica sugere uma tendência de queda; não obstante, observamos picos isolados de crescimento em setores específicos.

Translation: Empirical evidence suggests a downward trend; nevertheless, we observe isolated growth spikes in specific sectors.

The environment in which não obstante thrives is one of formality and intellectual depth. You are unlikely to hear it in a grocery store, but you will find it in abundance in specific professional and cultural spheres in both Portugal and Brazil.

The Legal Sphere (O Foro): Portuguese law is famous for its 'juridiquês' (legal jargon). Lawyers and judges use 'não obstante' to navigate the complexities of legislation. For example, a judge might write: 'Não obstante a prova testemunhal, a prova documental é inconclusiva' (Notwithstanding the witness testimony, the documentary evidence is inconclusive).

In academic circles, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, 'não obstante' is a staple of scholarly discourse. When debating theories or presenting research findings, it serves as a precise tool for qualification. A historian might use it to contrast a prevailing historical narrative with new archival evidence. It signals a sophisticated level of literacy and a commitment to nuanced thought.

O réu confessou o crime; não obstante, a defesa alega legítima defesa sob coação irresistível.

Translation: The defendant confessed to the crime; nevertheless, the defense claims self-defense under irresistible coercion.

Journalism also makes frequent use of this term, especially in opinion pieces, editorials, and long-form investigative reports. It allows journalists to present a balanced view by acknowledging one side of an issue before pivoting to another. In political reporting, you might hear a news anchor say: 'Não obstante a popularidade do presidente, o congresso votou contra a nova reforma' (Notwithstanding the president's popularity, congress voted against the new reform).

Literature is the third major bastion for 'não obstante'. Great Lusophone authors like Machado de Assis, Eça de Queirós, and Fernando Pessoa used this term to craft complex, rhythmic prose. In modern literature, it is used to evoke a certain gravitas or to characterize a narrator who is educated or perhaps a bit pedantic. If you are reading a contemporary novel and a character uses 'não obstante' in dialogue, the author is likely signaling that the character is formal, elderly, or perhaps trying to sound more important than they are.

A alma é imortal, dizem os poetas; não obstante, a carne padece ante a brevidade do tempo.

Translation: The soul is immortal, say the poets; nevertheless, the flesh suffers before the brevity of time.

Because não obstante is a high-level term, it is frequently misused by both learners and native speakers who are attempting to sound more formal than their grammatical knowledge allows. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your Portuguese sounds polished and precise.

Mistake 1: Adding 'de': Many people say 'não obstante de'. This is incorrect. This mistake happens because people confuse it with 'apesar de'. Correct: 'Não obstante o problema'. Incorrect: 'Não obstante do problema'.

This is perhaps the most common error. Remember that 'não obstante' is a self-contained unit. It doesn't need a prepositional bridge like 'de' to connect to the following noun. Think of it like the English word 'notwithstanding'—you don't say 'notwithstanding of the weather,' you just say 'notwithstanding the weather.'

Errado: Não obstante do seu esforço, ele falhou.
Correto: Não obstante seu esforço, ele falhou.

Mistake 2: Register Mismatch: Using 'não obstante' in a casual text message or a relaxed conversation. It sounds out of place and can make you seem arrogant or socially awkward. Use 'mas' or 'no entanto' instead.

Imagine you are texting a friend about going to the beach. If you say, 'Está nublado; não obstante, eu quero ir,' it sounds like you are reading from a legal brief. In that context, 'mas mesmo assim' (but even so) is much more appropriate. Linguistic 'code-switching' is a vital skill at the B2 level.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Punctuation: When used as a conjunction, 'não obstante' requires specific punctuation. It should be preceded by a strong mark (period or semicolon) and followed by a comma. Neglecting this disrupts the 'adversative' flow of the sentence.

Finally, some learners confuse 'não obstante' with 'nada obstante'. While 'nada obstante' exists and means the same thing, it is even more archaic and rarely used in modern Portuguese. Stick to 'não obstante' to avoid sounding like you are from the 17th century. Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'conquanto', which means 'although' and requires the subjunctive mood, whereas 'não obstante' as a preposition does not.

To truly master não obstante, you must understand how it relates to other Portuguese connectors of contrast. Portuguese is rich in these 'adversative' and 'concessive' words, each with its own register and grammatical requirements.

Apesar de: The most common alternative. It means 'in spite of' and is neutral in register. Unlike 'não obstante', it always requires the preposition 'de'. Use this in everyday life.
Contudo / Todavia: These are direct synonyms for 'não obstante' when used as a conjunction (nevertheless/however). They are formal but slightly more common in literature than 'não obstante'.
No entanto / Entretanto: These are the 'standard' formal ways to say 'however'. They are less heavy than 'não obstante' and are perfect for business emails and professional reports.

When choosing between these, consider the 'weight' of the contrast. 'Mas' is a light tap. 'No entanto' is a firm nudge. 'Não obstante' is a heavy, authoritative statement. If you are writing a thesis, 'não obstante' provides the necessary gravitas. If you are writing a blog post, 'no entanto' is likely sufficient.

Comparação:
1. Choveu, mas saímos. (Neutral)
2. Choveu; no entanto, saímos. (Professional)
3. Não obstante a chuva, saímos. (Formal/Sophisticated)

Another interesting alternative is 'malgrado'. This is very literary and means 'despite'. It functions similarly to 'não obstante' as a preposition. 'Malgrado os esforços' (Despite the efforts). It is even rarer than 'não obstante' and should be used sparingly. On the other end of the spectrum, 'mesmo assim' and 'ainda assim' are the conversational workhorses of contrast, meaning 'even so' or 'still'.

In summary, while 'não obstante' is a powerful tool, it is part of a larger family. A B2 learner should be able to navigate this family based on the context. If you are in a formal setting, 'não obstante' is your best friend for showing contrast. In a casual setting, it is a guest that has arrived in a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue—technically correct, but socially a bit much.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the Middle Ages, 'non obstante' was a common legal clause in papal bulls that allowed the Pope to override existing laws or customs.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /nɐ̃w̃ ɔpʃˈtɐ̃tɨ/

US /nɐ̃w̃ ɔbsˈtɐ̃tʃi/

The primary stress is on the second-to-last syllable: obs-TAN-te.

Reimt sich auf

bastante adiante importante brilhante constante estante gigante levante

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ão' as a regular 'o' or 'an' without nasality.
Over-emphasizing the 'b' in 'obstante'.
Confusing the final 'e' sound between European and Brazilian Portuguese.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'b' and 's'.
Stressing the first syllable 'não' instead of the main word 'obstante'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Frequently encountered in high-level texts, requiring recognition of contrast.

Schreiben 5/5

Requires careful attention to register and punctuation to avoid sounding 'fake' or incorrect.

Sprechen 5/5

Rarely used in speech; hard to time correctly without sounding overly formal.

Hören 3/5

Easy to hear because of its length and distinct rhythm in formal speeches.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

mas porém apesar de entretanto no entanto

Als Nächstes lernen

conquanto malgrado posto que porquanto destarte

Fortgeschritten

adversativas concessivas conectores lógicos coesão textual juridiquês

Wichtige Grammatik

Concessive Clauses

Não obstante o fato de que chove, sairemos.

Adversative Conjunctions

Ele correu; não obstante, chegou atrasado.

Punctuation with Connectors

Estudei muito; não obstante, não passei.

Prepositional Phrases without 'de'

Não obstante a chuva (Not: Não obstante da chuva).

Mixing 'não obstante' with formal verbs like 'prosseguir'.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

Eu gosto de sol; não obstante, está chovendo.

I like sun; however, it is raining.

Simple use as 'however'.

Ele é alto; não obstante, não joga basquete.

He is tall; nevertheless, he doesn't play basketball.

Contrast between two simple facts.

Não obstante o frio, eu quero sorvete.

In spite of the cold, I want ice cream.

Prepositional use with a noun.

O livro é velho; não obstante, é bom.

The book is old; however, it is good.

Basic contrast.

Não obstante a hora, ela está acordada.

In spite of the hour, she is awake.

Prepositional use.

Eu estudo; não obstante, não aprendo.

I study; however, I don't learn.

Adversative conjunction.

Não obstante o preço, eu comprei o pão.

In spite of the price, I bought the bread.

Prepositional use.

O carro é pequeno; não obstante, é rápido.

The car is small; nevertheless, it is fast.

Contrast.

Não obstante a distância, eles são amigos.

In spite of the distance, they are friends.

Using 'não obstante' to show a lasting state despite an obstacle.

O filme foi longo; não obstante, foi divertido.

The movie was long; nevertheless, it was fun.

Conjunction connecting two descriptors.

Não obstante o barulho, o bebê dormiu.

Notwithstanding the noise, the baby slept.

Formal prepositional use.

Ela viajou; não obstante, esqueceu a mala.

She traveled; however, she forgot the suitcase.

Conjunction showing a negative result.

Não obstante a dieta, ele comeu bolo.

In spite of the diet, he ate cake.

Prepositional use.

O exame era difícil; não obstante, ela passou.

The exam was difficult; nevertheless, she passed.

Contrast.

Não obstante o cansaço, fomos à festa.

In spite of the fatigue, we went to the party.

Prepositional use.

O telefone tocou; não obstante, ninguém atendeu.

The phone rang; however, no one answered.

Conjunction.

Não obstante os problemas financeiros, a empresa expandiu.

Notwithstanding the financial problems, the company expanded.

Professional context.

A equipe jogou bem; não obstante, perdeu a partida.

The team played well; nevertheless, they lost the match.

Conjunctional use in sports reporting.

Não obstante a oposição do público, a lei foi aprovada.

In spite of public opposition, the law was passed.

Political context.

Ele tinha pouca experiência; não obstante, foi contratado.

He had little experience; however, he was hired.

Workplace context.

Não obstante a falta de provas, o caso continuou.

Notwithstanding the lack of evidence, the case continued.

Legal context.

O clima estava instável; não obstante, o evento ocorreu.

The weather was unstable; nevertheless, the event took place.

Event planning context.

Não obstante a pressa, ele fez um trabalho minucioso.

In spite of the hurry, he did a thorough job.

Character description.

O autor é polêmico; não obstante, sua obra é premiada.

The author is controversial; however, his work is award-winning.

Cultural context.

Não obstante as evidências em contrário, o cientista manteve sua hipótese.

Notwithstanding the evidence to the contrary, the scientist maintained his hypothesis.

Academic context.

A economia está em recessão; não obstante, o setor de tecnologia cresce.

The economy is in recession; nevertheless, the tech sector is growing.

Economic analysis.

Não obstante o seu brilhantismo, o jovem sofria de insegurança.

In spite of his brilliance, the young man suffered from insecurity.

Psychological nuance.

O tratado foi assinado; não obstante, as tensões persistem na fronteira.

The treaty was signed; however, tensions persist at the border.

Geopolitical context.

Não obstante a complexidade do tema, o palestrante foi muito claro.

Notwithstanding the complexity of the subject, the speaker was very clear.

Educational context.

A proposta foi rejeitada; não obstante, abriu caminho para novas negociações.

The proposal was rejected; nevertheless, it paved the way for new negotiations.

Business strategy.

Não obstante o declínio das vendas, a marca mantém seu prestígio.

In spite of the decline in sales, the brand maintains its prestige.

Marketing context.

O réu agiu em legítima defesa; não obstante, houve excesso punível.

The defendant acted in self-defense; however, there was punishable excess.

Legal nuance.

Não obstante a natureza efémera da beleza, a arte busca a eternidade.

Notwithstanding the ephemeral nature of beauty, art seeks eternity.

Philosophical register.

A retórica do político foi impecável; não obstante, carecia de substância ética.

The politician's rhetoric was impeccable; nevertheless, it lacked ethical substance.

Political criticism.

Não obstante a aparente simplicidade, o mecanismo é de uma engenharia complexa.

Notwithstanding the apparent simplicity, the mechanism is of complex engineering.

Technical description.

O autor utiliza arcaísmos; não obstante, sua narrativa ressoa com a modernidade.

The author uses archaisms; however, his narrative resonates with modernity.

Literary analysis.

Não obstante as flutuações do mercado, o investimento em ouro permanece sólido.

Notwithstanding market fluctuations, investment in gold remains solid.

Financial expertise.

A decisão foi unânime; não obstante, as motivações dos juízes divergiam profundamente.

The decision was unanimous; nevertheless, the judges' motivations diverged deeply.

Legal complexity.

Não obstante a censura vigente, a verdade encontrou meios de circular.

Notwithstanding the prevailing censorship, the truth found ways to circulate.

Historical/Political context.

O fenômeno é raro; não obstante, sua ocorrência pode ser prevista com modelos matemáticos.

The phenomenon is rare; however, its occurrence can be predicted with mathematical models.

Scientific register.

Não obstante a perenidade do mármore, o tempo acaba por esculpir a ruína.

Notwithstanding the perennial nature of marble, time eventually carves ruin.

Poetic/Philosophical.

A hermenêutica do texto é vasta; não obstante, há limites para a interpretação subjetiva.

The hermeneutics of the text is vast; nevertheless, there are limits to subjective interpretation.

Academic/Theoretical.

Não obstante o hiato temporal, a influência do mestre sobre o discípulo é indelével.

Notwithstanding the temporal hiatus, the master's influence on the disciple is indelible.

High-level biography.

O sistema jurídico é robusto; não obstante, a celeridade processual continua a ser uma quimera.

The legal system is robust; however, procedural speed remains a pipe dream.

Legal satire/criticism.

Não obstante a pluralidade de vozes, a harmonia da composição é absoluta.

Notwithstanding the plurality of voices, the harmony of the composition is absolute.

Artistic critique.

A soberania nacional é sagrada; não obstante, o mundo caminha para uma interdependência global.

National sovereignty is sacred; nevertheless, the world is moving toward global interdependence.

Geopolitical theory.

Não obstante o ceticismo da época, ele ousou sonhar com o impossível.

Notwithstanding the skepticism of the era, he dared to dream of the impossible.

Epic narrative.

A ontologia do ser é complexa; não obstante, a existência precede a essência.

The ontology of being is complex; nevertheless, existence precedes essence.

Pure philosophy.

Synonyme

contudo todavia entretanto no entanto apesar de malgrado ainda assim mesmo assim

Gegenteile

consequentemente portanto assim sendo por isso

Häufige Kollokationen

não obstante o fato de que

não obstante as dificuldades

não obstante a oposição

não obstante o exposto

não obstante a evidência

não obstante a crise

não obstante os esforços

não obstante a falta de

não obstante o tempo

não obstante a vontade

Häufige Phrasen

Nada obstante

— An even more formal and slightly archaic variant of 'não obstante'.

Nada obstante os protestos, a obra continuou.

Não obstante isso

— Used to link a previous sentence to a new one; 'Nevertheless'.

Houve erros. Não obstante isso, o sucesso foi total.

Não obstante tudo

— Meaning 'despite everything'.

Não obstante tudo o que aconteceu, eu te perdoo.

Não obstante a regra

— Used in legal contexts to note an exception.

Não obstante a regra geral, este caso é especial.

Não obstante as aparências

— Meaning 'despite how things look'.

Não obstante as aparências, ele é um homem bom.

Não obstante o risco

— Used when describing a dangerous action.

Ele saltou, não obstante o risco de queda.

Não obstante a distância

— Common in letters or emotional contexts.

Estaremos juntos, não obstante a distância.

Não obstante a idade

— Used to describe vitality in older people.

Ele corre maratonas, não obstante a idade avançada.

Não obstante o silêncio

— Used in literature to describe tension.

Não obstante o silêncio, a mensagem foi clara.

Não obstante a dor

— Used in stories of resilience.

Ela sorriu, não obstante a dor que sentia.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

não obstante vs Apesar de

Apesar de requires 'de', não obstante does not.

não obstante vs No entanto

No entanto is a conjunction only; não obstante is both a conjunction and a preposition.

não obstante vs Conquanto

Conquanto means 'although' and triggers the subjunctive; não obstante does not.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Não obstante o que digam"

— Regardless of what people say; a way to assert independence.

Não obstante o que digam, eu vou casar com ela.

formal/neutral

"Não obstante a maré"

— Literary way of saying 'despite the circumstances'.

Não obstante a maré contrária, o barco chegou ao porto.

literary

"Não obstante o fardo"

— Used to describe doing something despite a heavy responsibility.

Ele governou bem, não obstante o fardo da coroa.

literary

"Não obstante as nuvens"

— Metaphor for staying optimistic despite problems.

Não obstante as nuvens, o sol brilhará amanhã.

poetic

"Não obstante o deserto"

— Metaphor for lack of support.

Ele criou arte, não obstante o deserto cultural.

literary

"Não obstante a queda"

— Focusing on rising again.

Ele levantou-se, não obstante a queda brutal.

dramatic

"Não obstante o veneno"

— Dealing with toxic situations.

Manteve a calma, não obstante o veneno das palavras dela.

literary

"Não obstante o muro"

— Overcoming obstacles.

A ideia espalhou-se, não obstante o muro da censura.

political

"Não obstante a sombra"

— Finding light in dark times.

Houve esperança, não obstante a sombra da guerra.

poetic

"Não obstante o eco"

— When something persists despite being ignored.

A verdade ressoa, não obstante o eco do mentiroso.

philosophical

Leicht verwechselbar

não obstante vs Obstante

It's the core of the phrase.

'Obstante' by itself is rarely used; it means 'hindering'. 'Não obstante' means 'not hindering' (in spite of).

Não há nada obstante ao nosso amor (Rare).

não obstante vs Bastante

Sounds similar.

'Bastante' means 'enough' or 'a lot'. It has nothing to do with contrast.

Eu tenho bastante tempo.

não obstante vs Adiante

Rhymes.

'Adiante' means 'ahead' or 'forward'.

Siga adiante.

não obstante vs Constante

Rhymes and similar structure.

'Constante' means 'constant' or 'unchanging'.

A mudança é a única constante.

não obstante vs Instante

Rhymes.

'Instante' means 'instant' or 'moment'.

Espere um instante.

Satzmuster

Não obstante + [Substantivo], [Oração Principal].

Não obstante a crise, o país cresceu.

[Oração A]; não obstante, [Oração B].

O plano era perfeito; não obstante, falhou.

Não obstante o fato de + [Infinitivo Flexionado].

Não obstante o fato de sermos poucos, venceremos.

Não obstante + [Pronome Demonstrativo].

Não obstante isso, continuaremos.

Não obstante + [Oração com Que + Subjuntivo].

Não obstante que fosse tarde, ele ligou.

[Oração A], não obstante a qual [Oração B].

Houve uma falha, não obstante a qual o sistema operou.

Não obstante + [Adjetivo Substantivado].

Não obstante o impossível, ele tentou.

Não obstante + [Artigo Definido] + [Substantivo].

Não obstante a lei, ele agiu.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

obstáculo (obstacle)

Verben

obstar (to hinder, to impede)

Adjektive

obstante (hindering - rare as a pure adjective)

Verwandt

apesar

contudo

obstinação

obstrução

resistência

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Low in daily speech, high in formal literature and law.

Häufige Fehler

Não obstante do tempo → Não obstante o tempo
Adding 'de' is incorrect because 'não obstante' is not a prepositional phrase requiring it.
Não obstante, ele foi. → Ele estava doente; não obstante, ele foi.
Using it as a conjunction without a preceding context makes no sense.
Não obstante ele está doente... → Não obstante estar doente...
As a preposition, it usually takes a noun or an infinitive, not a conjugated verb directly (unless using 'que').
Using it in a casual WhatsApp message. → Using 'mas' or 'mesmo assim'.
It creates a massive register clash that sounds unnatural to natives.
Spelling it as 'não opstante'. → Não obstante
The 'b' is silent or soft in many accents, leading to spelling errors.

Tipps

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'não obstante' in one paragraph, use 'contudo' or 'no entanto' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

Check the Noun

When using it as a preposition, ensure the noun phrase following it is clear and directly related to the contrast.

Match the Tone

Ensure the rest of your sentence is formal. Don't say 'Não obstante o problema, a gente vai dar um jeito' (too informal at the end).

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'não obstante' when it's used as a conjunction at the start of a clause.

Legal Texts

When reading Portuguese law, expect 'não obstante' to signal an exception to a rule.

Root Verb

Remember the verb 'obstar' (to hinder). It helps you remember that 'não obstante' means 'nothing hinders'.

Essay Structure

Use it to introduce a 'concessive' argument—one where you admit a point but show why it doesn't change your conclusion.

Public Speaking

It's a great 'filler' word for formal speeches that gives you a second to think while sounding very intelligent.

No 'De'

Repeat it like a mantra: 'Não obstante o...', 'Não obstante a...'. Never add 'de'.

CELPE-Bras

Using this word correctly in the writing part of the CELPE-Bras exam can significantly boost your score for 'textual cohesion'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'No Obstacle'. 'Não' = No, 'Obstante' sounds like Obstacle. So, 'No Obstacle' (stands in the way of the truth).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant wall with a small person walking right through it as if it weren't there. The wall is the 'obstante' and the person is the action happening 'não obstante' (notwithstanding) the wall.

Word Web

Formal Contrast Legal Academic Notwithstanding However Despite But

Herausforderung

Write a three-sentence formal email to a hypothetical landlord using 'não obstante' to complain about a leak that you tried to fix yourself.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin 'non obstante', which is the present participle of 'obstare' (to stand before, to oppose).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 'Not standing in the way' or 'not opposing'.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that using it in low-income or very informal settings might be perceived as 'showing off' or being condescending.

It is exactly like using 'notwithstanding' or 'nevertheless' in English. It sounds smart but a bit stiff.

Used frequently in the 1976 Constitution of the Portuguese Republic. Common in the works of Machado de Assis to provide a cynical, formal tone. Found in the legal writings of Rui Barbosa, a famous Brazilian jurist.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Legal Documents

Não obstante o artigo...
Não obstante a prova...
Não obstante o alegado...
Não obstante a sentença...

Academic Essays

Não obstante a teoria de...
Não obstante os dados...
Não obstante a crítica...
Não obstante os resultados...

Formal Emails

Não obstante o meu pedido...
Não obstante o atraso...
Não obstante a sua resposta...
Não obstante o erro...

News Reports

Não obstante a crise...
Não obstante o protesto...
Não obstante a guerra...
Não obstante o aviso...

Literature

Não obstante o destino...
Não obstante a dor...
Não obstante o tempo...
Não obstante a morte...

Gesprächseinstiege

"O que você acha da nova lei? Não obstante a polêmica, ela parece necessária."

"Não obstante os problemas da cidade, você ainda gosta de morar aqui?"

"Você acha que o time pode ganhar? Não obstante a derrota de ontem, ainda há esperança."

"Não obstante o preço da gasolina, as pessoas continuam dirigindo muito, não é?"

"Não obstante a tecnologia, você ainda prefere ler livros de papel?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escreva sobre um desafio que você superou recentemente. Use 'não obstante' para descrever as dificuldades.

Reflita sobre a situação política do seu país. Use 'não obstante' para contrastar diferentes pontos de vista.

Descreva um livro ou filme que você gostou, não obstante as críticas negativas que ele recebeu.

Pense em um objetivo de longo prazo. O que você fará para alcançá-lo, não obstante os obstáculos no caminho?

Escreva uma carta formal (fictícia) para uma autoridade, usando 'não obstante' pelo menos duas vezes.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. This is a common mistake. You should say 'não obstante o problema', never 'não obstante do problema'. Think of it like 'notwithstanding' in English.

Yes, significantly. 'Porém' is formal, but 'não obstante' is academic or legal in register.

Only if you are being ironic or funny. Otherwise, it will sound very strange and stiff.

No, it can also follow a semicolon to connect two related clauses.

'No entanto' is only a conjunction (However). 'Não obstante' can be a conjunction (Nevertheless) or a preposition (In spite of).

Yes, but only in very formal writing, law, or academic contexts. It is not part of the common spoken language.

The closest equivalents are 'notwithstanding', 'nevertheless', or 'in spite of'.

No, when used as a preposition or a standard adversative conjunction, it uses the indicative.

Yes, it is a valid but very archaic synonym. You are better off using 'não obstante'.

Yes, it is an excellent word to use in the introduction or body of a formal essay to show complex reasoning.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen