Signification
Expresses persistent effort without achieving the desired success.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, this phrase is often used to describe 'perrengues' (daily struggles). It's part of the national identity of being a 'lutador' (fighter) who never gives up even when things are hard. In Portugal, there is a certain poetic resignation associated with this phrase, often linked to the concept of 'Fado' (fate). It's used to express that some things are simply beyond human control. In Angolan music (Kizomba and Semba), this phrase frequently appears in lyrics about unrequited love or the difficulty of leaving a relationship. In Mozambique, the phrase is used in social commentary to describe the resilience of the people against systemic challenges.
Master the Subjunctive
If you can use this phrase correctly in a conversation, you immediately sound like a C1 speaker because it shows you've mastered the tricky subjunctive mood.
Don't overdo it
Using this too much can make you sound like a victim. Use it sparingly to describe genuine, difficult obstacles.
Signification
Expresses persistent effort without achieving the desired success.
Master the Subjunctive
If you can use this phrase correctly in a conversation, you immediately sound like a C1 speaker because it shows you've mastered the tricky subjunctive mood.
Don't overdo it
Using this too much can make you sound like a victim. Use it sparingly to describe genuine, difficult obstacles.
The 'Jeitinho' Alternative
If you 'não consegue' (can't), a Brazilian might suggest a 'jeitinho' (a little way/workaround). The phrase is often the start of a problem-solving conversation.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
Por mais que eu _______ (estudar) para a prova, não consigo tirar nota máxima.
'Por mais que' requires the present subjunctive.
Which sentence is the most natural way to express frustration with a task?
You are trying to fix a clock but it's still broken.
Option B uses the correct subjunctive mood and the appropriate concessive conjunction.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Você já terminou o relatório? B: Ainda não. ________________________.
The present subjunctive 'tente' is needed to describe the ongoing effort.
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
'Por mais que eu tente, não consigo parar de comer chocolate.'
This is a common way to talk about personal habits or minor 'vices' informally.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPor mais que eu _______ (estudar) para a prova, não consigo tirar nota máxima.
'Por mais que' requires the present subjunctive.
You are trying to fix a clock but it's still broken.
Option B uses the correct subjunctive mood and the appropriate concessive conjunction.
A: Você já terminou o relatório? B: Ainda não. ________________________.
The present subjunctive 'tente' is needed to describe the ongoing effort.
'Por mais que eu tente, não consigo parar de comer chocolate.'
This is a common way to talk about personal habits or minor 'vices' informally.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! Use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Por mais que eu tentasse, não conseguia.'
Yes, it's a synonym, more common in Portugal or in formal writing.
Absolutely. 'Por mais que eu estude', 'Por mais que eu corra', etc.
Because 'por mais que' is a conjunction that requires a conjugated verb in the subjunctive mood, not the infinitive.
Yes, it's neutral and very polite for explaining why you couldn't do something.
Native speakers sometimes say this in very informal speech, but it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided by learners.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'Consegui sem nem tentar' (I succeeded without even trying).
Usually, yes. The 'por mais que' sets up an expectation that is then subverted by the 'não'.
Yes: 'Por mais que ele tente, ele não consegue chegar cedo.'
Very often, to explain why a project is delayed or a goal wasn't met despite effort.
Expressions liées
Dar murro em ponta de faca
similarTo keep trying something that is useless or harmful.
Não dar conta
builds onTo not be able to handle something.
Mesmo que eu tente
similarEven if I try.
Fracassar
contrastTo fail.
