Significado
Used to introduce a contrasting element, similar to 'in spite of'.
Contexto cultural
The use of 'Em que pese' is a status symbol. It is part of 'Juridiquês', a style of speaking that lawyers use to distinguish themselves from the 'common' people. It's often criticized for being unnecessarily complex. In Portugal, the expression is equally formal but often seen as a natural part of the 'literary' tradition. It is less about social status and more about precise, elegant writing. Across all Lusophone countries, this phrase is a 'safe' way to criticize a superior's work. By starting with 'Em que pese...', you acknowledge their importance before pointing out a flaw. The phrase is so standard in legal rulings that it's almost a 'macro' on judges' keyboards. It signals the transition from the 'Relatório' (facts) to the 'Voto' (decision).
The 'A' Rule
Always try to use the preposition 'a' after 'pese' in writing. It makes you look like a true expert in Portuguese grammar.
Don't Pluralize
Even if you are talking about 'os problemas' (plural), keep it as 'Em que pese aos problemas'. Pluralizing it is a common 'hypercorrection' error.
Significado
Used to introduce a contrasting element, similar to 'in spite of'.
The 'A' Rule
Always try to use the preposition 'a' after 'pese' in writing. It makes you look like a true expert in Portuguese grammar.
Don't Pluralize
Even if you are talking about 'os problemas' (plural), keep it as 'Em que pese aos problemas'. Pluralizing it is a common 'hypercorrection' error.
The Irony Factor
Brazilians sometimes use this phrase ironically to mock someone who is being too serious or 'posh'.
Ponte a prueba
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão (lembre-se da preposição 'a').
Em que pese _______ (o esforço) dos médicos, o paciente não sobreviveu.
A forma erudita exige a preposição 'a'. Como 'esforço' é masculino, temos 'a + o = ao'.
Qual frase abaixo utiliza a expressão de forma adequada ao contexto?
Escolha a opção correta:
Esta frase usa o registro formal correto (jurídico) e a crase adequada (a + a clareza).
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
Frase: 'Em que pese ao renome do autor, a obra é medíocre.'
O vocabulário 'renome', 'obra' e 'medíocre' junto com 'em que pese' indica um registro acadêmico/formal.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Advogado A: 'A prova testemunhal foi fraca.' Advogado B: 'Sim, mas em que pese _______, temos a confissão.'
Mantém o registro formal e a estrutura gramatical correta.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale of Concession
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEm que pese _______ (o esforço) dos médicos, o paciente não sobreviveu.
A forma erudita exige a preposição 'a'. Como 'esforço' é masculino, temos 'a + o = ao'.
Escolha a opção correta:
Esta frase usa o registro formal correto (jurídico) e a crase adequada (a + a clareza).
Frase: 'Em que pese ao renome do autor, a obra é medíocre.'
O vocabulário 'renome', 'obra' e 'medíocre' junto com 'em que pese' indica um registro acadêmico/formal.
Advogado A: 'A prova testemunhal foi fraca.' Advogado B: 'Sim, mas em que pese _______, temos a confissão.'
Mantém o registro formal e a estrutura gramatical correta.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, the meaning is the same, but the 'vibe' is totally different. 'Apesar de' is for everyone; 'Em que pese' is for judges and professors.
Some modern grammarians allow it, but if you are taking a formal exam or writing a legal document, stick to the singular 'pese'.
It's a dative construction. Think of it as 'In that which weighs TO the [noun]'.
Yes, but they often prefer 'Pese embora' or 'Não obstante'.
Only if it's for a very high-level position (like a Law Firm or a University). Otherwise, you might sound a bit stiff.
Usually, yes. It sets the stage for the concession.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Devido a' (Due to) or 'Por causa de' (Because of) are used for direct cause instead of concession.
'Ao' is the traditional, more formal version. 'O' is common in modern, less formal writing.
No, it's almost always followed by a noun. For verbs, use 'Embora' or 'Apesar de + infinitive'.
It's 'classic'. It never goes out of style in legal and academic circles.
Frases relacionadas
Não obstante
synonymNotwithstanding / Nevertheless
A despeito de
similarIn spite of
Sem embargo
synonymWithout hindrance / Nevertheless
Conquanto
similarAlthough
Malgrado
similarDespite
