Formal Concessions: Though, Although & Even If (Subjunctive)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'embora' with the subjunctive for uncertainty, and 'mesmo que' for hypothetical scenarios to master formal concessions.
- Embora + Subjunctive: Used for established facts that are conceded (e.g., 'Embora chova, sairei').
- Mesmo que + Subjunctive: Used for hypothetical or future conditions (e.g., 'Mesmo que chova, sairei').
- Apesar de + Infinitive: Used when the subject remains the same (e.g., 'Apesar de estar cansado, trabalhei').
Overview
Concession in Portuguese, particularly at the C1 level, involves sophisticated grammatical structures that allow you to acknowledge a counter-argument or a potentially hindering circumstance without letting it invalidate your main point. This linguistic mechanism, known as a concessive clause, expresses an idea that contrasts with the main clause but does not prevent its action. While simpler conjunctions like mas (but) or porém (however) merely connect opposing ideas, formal concessive structures elevate your expression, enabling nuanced arguments in academic, professional, and literary contexts.
The core distinction of these advanced forms, such as embora, ainda que, mesmo que, posto que, and conquanto, is their mandatory use of the Subjunctive Mood.
This is not an arbitrary rule; it reflects a fundamental principle of Portuguese grammar where the subjunctive often indicates non-assertion, hypothesis, or a subjective perspective, rather than a stated fact. For instance, Embora ele seja rico, não é feliz. (Although he is rich, he is not happy.) Here, seja (Present Subjunctive of ser) subtly implies that the speaker is not necessarily asserting his richness as an objective, undeniable fact, but rather presenting it as a condition or assumption that, regardless of its truth value, does not change the outcome. This construction allows for a powerful rhetorical effect: conceding a point while simultaneously underscoring the persistence of another, more significant truth.
Mastering these forms demonstrates an advanced grasp of Portuguese syntax and semantics, essential for expressing complex ideas with precision and persuasive force.
How This Grammar Works
Ainda que chova, iremos à praia. (Even if it rains, we will go to the beach.) The subjunctive chova treats the rain not as a definite, established fact preventing the action, but as a potential or acknowledged condition that, despite its potential to hinder, will not. This conveys a sense of determination or disregard for the obstacle. The grammatical choice directly impacts the speaker's attitude towards the event.porque choveu, não fomos) establishes a direct cause-and-effect, a concessive clause asserts that despite a potential cause (ainda que chova), the expected effect will not occur, or a different effect will occur. This sophisticated interplay of causality and counter-causality is exclusively signaled by the subjunctive mood within these specific conjunctions.- Linguistic Principle: The subjunctive here functions as a marker of irrealis, a category expressing events that are not presented as actual facts but rather as possibilities, desires, or conditions. In concessive clauses, the conceded event, though potentially real, is treated as irrelevant to the reality or certainty of the main clause. This is a crucial semantic function for advanced expression.
- Cognitive Effect: For the listener or reader, the subjunctive signals that the speaker is introducing an idea that is being considered or granted for the sake of argument, rather than being definitively stated as a reason or an absolute truth that should logically alter the main proposition. This nuanced semantic role makes the subjunctive indispensable for high-level argumentative discourse. Neglecting it (e.g., using the indicative) would fundamentally alter the meaning, turning a sophisticated concession into a simple, often grammatically incorrect, juxtaposition of facts.
Formation Pattern
Embora | Although, even though | Common, Standard | Widely used in all registers except the most informal. The most versatile option. |
Ainda que | Even though, even if | Common, Standard | Very similar to embora, often interchangeable. Can emphasize a stronger concession or hypotheticality ("even if"). |
Mesmo que | Even if | Common, Standard | Stronger emphasis on the hypothetical or extreme nature of the concession. Implies a higher degree of unlikelihood or a more forceful "regardless of." |
Posto que | Although, granted that | Formal, Literary | Historically could be causal ("since," "because"), but in modern standard Portuguese, it is exclusively concessive. Less common in daily speech. |
Conquanto | Although, notwithstanding that | Highly Formal, Archaic | The most formal and least common. Primarily found in legal texts, classical literature, or highly academic writing. Avoid in casual communication. |
Por mais que | However much, no matter how much/many | Common, Emphatic | Expresses concession related to quantity, intensity, or effort. Often followed by an adjective, adverb, or verb. |
Por muito que | However much, no matter how much/many | Common, Emphatic | Synonymous with por mais que. |
Por pouco que | However little, no matter how little | Common, Emphatic | Expresses concession related to a small quantity or degree. |
Concessive Connector + Subject (explicit or implicit) + Verb in Subjunctive Mood
Embora chova, vamos sair. (Although it rains [or might rain], we're going out.)
Ainda que ele não goste, terá de aceitar. (Even if he doesn't like it, he'll have to accept.)
Mesmo que vocês se esforcem, talvez não consigam. (Even if you make an effort, you might not succeed.)
Por mais dinheiro que ele tenha, não compra a felicidade. (However much money he has, it doesn't buy happiness.)
Embora fosse tarde, decidimos ir. (Although it was late, we decided to go.)
Ainda que ele quisesse, não poderia ajudar. (Even if he wanted to, he couldn't help.)
Mesmo que eu soubesse, não te diria. (Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you.)
Conquanto houvesse obstáculos, o projeto avançou. (Although there were obstacles, the project advanced.)
quando clauses that function concessively.
Por mais que ele vier a dizer, não vou acreditar. (No matter what he may come to say, I won't believe it.)
Falar (to speak) | Comer (to eat) | Partir (to leave) |
fale | que eu coma | que eu parta |
fales | que tu comas | que tu partas |
fale | que ele coma | que ele parta |
falemos | que nós comamos | que nós partamos |
falais | que vós comais | que vós partais |
falem | que eles comam | que eles partam |
Falar (to speak) | Comer (to eat) | Partir (to leave) |
falasse | se eu comesse | se eu partisse |
falasses | se tu comesses | se tu partisses |
falasse | se ele comesse | se ele partisse |
falássemos | se nós comêssemos | se nós partíssemos |
falásseis | se vós comêsseis | se vós partísseis |
falassem | se eles comessem | se eles partissem |
When To Use It
Embora (Although, Even though):Embora is suitable for most standard and semi-formal contexts. It implies a direct contrast where the conceded point does not prevent the main action. Use it when you need to acknowledge a fact or potential situation without giving it decisive power.- Academic/Professional:
Embora os dados preliminares sugiram uma correlação, mais estudos são necessários.(Although preliminary data suggest a correlation, more studies are needed.) This presents a scientific concession. - Formal Email:
Embora a data limite tenha sido ultrapassada, faremos o possível para atender ao seu pedido.(Although the deadline has been passed, we will do our best to meet your request.) This manages expectations while offering a solution. - General Conversation:
Embora esteja frio, sinto-me bem ao ar livre.(Although it's cold, I feel good outdoors.) A common way to express a minor counterpoint.
Ainda que (Even though, Even if):embora, ainda que can add a slightly stronger emphasis on the counter-expectation or the hypothetical nature of the concession. It's particularly useful when the conceded point is a less certain event or a more significant obstacle, implying a stronger 'regardless of'.- Opinion/Debate:
Ainda que o argumento pareça válido à primeira vista, ele ignora aspectos cruciais.(Even though the argument seems valid at first glance, it ignores crucial aspects.) This acknowledges superficial validity before deeper critique. - Contingency Planning:
Ainda que o voo seja cancelado, temos uma alternativa.(Even if the flight is canceled, we have an alternative.) Highlights preparedness for a possible, undesirable outcome. - Personal Resolve:
Ainda que a tarefa seja árdua, não desistirei.(Even if the task is arduous, I will not give up.) Emphasizes determination against difficulties.
Mesmo que (Even if):Mesmo que highlights an extreme or highly hypothetical concession, often implying a "no matter what" sentiment. It is very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese to express determination or strong supposition, sometimes used to show exasperation or strong commitment.- Strong Determination:
Mesmo que me custe a vida, cumprirei minha promessa.(Even if it costs me my life, I will keep my promise.) A dramatic statement of unwavering commitment. - Hypothetical Extreme:
Mesmo que ele fosse o melhor, não o aceitaríamos.(Even if he were the best, we wouldn't accept him.) Setting a high, unlikely bar for acceptance. - Casual, Emphatic (BP):
Mesmo que chova canivetes, vamos ao show!(Even if it rains knives [slang for heavily], we're going to the concert!) A colloquial, forceful expression of intent.
Posto que (Although, Granted that) & Conquanto (Although, Notwithstanding that):Conquanto is notably more archaic than posto que and signals a very elevated register.- Legal/Academic:
Conquanto as provas apresentadas careçam de confirmação independente, a tese central mantém sua relevância.(Notwithstanding that the evidence presented lacks independent confirmation, the central thesis maintains its relevance.) This is characteristic of scholarly writing, acknowledging a flaw but asserting overall significance. - Formal Argumentation:
Posto que a legislação vigente contemple essa possibilidade, sua aplicação prática ainda é um desafio.(Granted that the current legislation contemplates this possibility, its practical application is still a challenge.) This might be found in a formal report or policy document.
Por mais que / Por muito que / Por pouco que (However much/many, No matter how much/little):Por muito que is a direct synonym of por mais que, with por mais que being slightly more common.Por pouco que implies a minimal degree.- Effort/Intensity:
Por mais que ele estude, ainda tem dificuldade em matemática.(However much he studies, he still has difficulty in math.) This highlights persistent struggle despite significant effort. - Quantity:
Por muitos livros que leia, nunca se sente satisfeito.(However many books he reads, he never feels satisfied.) Emphasizes insatiable curiosity despite extensive reading. - Small Degree:
Por pouco que ele coma, engorda.(However little he eats, he gains weight.) Expresses an unexpected outcome given minimal input.
Common Mistakes
embora, ainda que, mesmo que, posto que, conquanto, por mais que, etc.) mandate the use of the Subjunctive Mood in standard Portuguese. Using the Indicative Mood here is grammatically incorrect.- Incorrect:
Embora ele está doente, foi trabalhar.(Although he is sick, he went to work.) –estáis Present Indicative. - Correct:
Embora ele esteja doente, foi trabalhar.(Although he be sick/is sick, he went to work.) –estejais Present Subjunctive. - Why it's wrong: The indicative
estáassertsele está doenteas an objective, undeniable fact. The concessive clause, however, requires the subjunctiveestejato presentele estar doenteas a condition that does not prevent the main action. The indicative clashes with the inherent counter-expectation of the concessive structure, fundamentally altering its semantic function. While colloquial Brazilian Portuguese might sometimes use the indicative in informal speech, it is considered non-standard and should be avoided in formal contexts and examinations.
- Incorrect:
Mesmo que eu vá à festa, não o vi.(Even if I go to the party, I didn't see him.) –váis Present Subjunctive, but the main clausenão o viis in the Preterite. This creates a temporal inconsistency. - Correct (Hypothetical Past):
Mesmo que eu fosse à festa, não o veria.(Even if I went to the party, I wouldn't see him.) – Here, the Imperfect Subjunctivefosseappropriately creates a counterfactual past condition, pairing with the Conditionalnão o veria. - Correct (Past Concession):
Embora ele tivesse falado, ninguém ouviu.(Although he had spoken, nobody heard.) – Using the Past Perfect Subjunctivetivesse faladocorrectly situates the concession in a time prior to another past action.
conquanto or posto que in casual conversations or informal writing (e.g., text messages, social media with friends) creates a jarring effect and can make you sound unnatural, pretentious, or even comical.- Awkward:
Conquanto chova muito, vou sair.(Notwithstanding that it rains a lot, I'm going out.) – The archaicconquantois mismatched with the simple, direct intention. - Better:
Embora chova muito, vou sair.orMesmo que chova muito, vou sair.(Although it rains a lot, I'm going out. / Even if it rains a lot, I'm going out.) – These options are standard and appropriate for such a context.
Apesar de / A despeito de / Não obstante:Embora, Ainda que | Subjunctive Clause | Embora ele esteja cansado, continua a trabalhar. (esteja is Present Subjunctive) |Apesar de | Infinitive Verb / Noun Phrase | Apesar de ele estar cansado, continua a trabalhar. (estar is Personal Infinitive) / Apesar do cansaço, ele continua a trabalhar. (Noun) |Não obstante | Infinitive Verb / Noun Phrase / que + Subjunctive (less common) | Não obstante o cansaço, ele continua. (Noun) / Não obstante estar cansado, ele continua. (Infinitive) |A despeito de | Infinitive Verb / Noun Phrase | A despeito de todos os avisos, ele persistiu. (Noun phrase) / A despeito de estar doente, ele compareceu. (Infinitive) |- Incorrect:
Apesar de ele esteja doente, foi trabalhar.(MixingApesar dewith subjunctive.) - Correct:
Apesar de ele estar doente, foi trabalhar.(Using the infinitive afterApesar deis correct.)
que with Por mais/muito/pouco:por mais/muito/pouco introduces a full clause (subject + verb), it almost always requires que to introduce the dependent subjunctive clause. Omitting que is a common oversight.- Incorrect:
Por mais ele estude, não consegue. - Correct:
Por mais que ele estude, não consegue.(However much he studies, he doesn't succeed.)
Real Conversations
Formal concessive clauses, while requiring the subjunctive, are not confined to academic ivory towers. Native Portuguese speakers integrate them naturally across various registers, showcasing the language's capacity for nuanced expression. Observing their use in contemporary contexts helps you understand their pragmatic function and choose the most appropriate connector.
1. Work Emails (Formal/Semi-Formal):
In professional communication, these clauses allow for politeness, managing expectations, or acknowledging difficulties while moving forward with a plan. You'll often see embora or ainda que.
- Prezada colega, Embora compreenda a urgência, o relatório só poderá ser entregue na próxima semana. (Dear colleague, Although I understand the urgency, the report can only be delivered next week.)
- Ainda que o projeto apresente desafios, estamos confiantes na sua conclusão a tempo. (Even though the project presents challenges, we are confident in its timely conclusion.)
2. Social Media & Online Discussions (Semi-Formal/Informal):
While very formal terms like conquanto are absent, mesmo que and ainda que are frequently used to express strong opinions, resolve, or acknowledge counter-arguments in a concise way.
- Post (BP): Mesmo que a crítica seja dura, precisamos ouvi-la para melhorar. (Even if the criticism is harsh, we need to hear it to improve.) – Expressing resilience.
- Comment (EP): Ainda que os preços sejam altos, a qualidade do produto justifica o investimento. (Even though prices are high, the product's quality justifies the investment.) – Acknowledging a downside but endorsing the value.
3. Casual Conversation (Informal, but still precise):
In everyday spoken Portuguese, mesmo que is very common for emphasizing hypothetical situations or strong personal feelings. Embora and ainda que are also used, but perhaps less frequently than mesmo que when the concession is highly personal or emphatic.
- "Mesmo que chova amanhã, a gente faz o piquenique dentro de casa." (Even if it rains tomorrow, we'll have the picnic indoors.) – Showing adaptability.
- "Ah, ele sempre reclama. Embora ele tenha tudo, nunca está contente." (Ah, he always complains. Although he has everything, he's never happy.) – A common observation about someone's character.
4. Literary and Academic Texts (Highly Formal):
Here, posto que and conquanto find their natural habitat. They lend an air of gravitas and intellectual rigor.
- Fragmento literário: Conquanto a escuridão da noite fosse impenetrável, uma tênue esperança persistia em seu coração. (Notwithstanding that the night's darkness was impenetrable, a faint hope persisted in his heart.) – Elevates the prose.
- Artigo científico: Posto que a metodologia empregada apresente limitações, os resultados obtidos fornecem insights valiosos. (Granted that the methodology employed presents limitations, the obtained results provide valuable insights.) – Acknowledging constraints while validating findings.
Brazilian vs. European Portuguese Differences:
While the fundamental grammatical rules for these concessive structures remain consistent across variants, there can be subtle differences in frequency and preference. In Brazilian Portuguese, mesmo que often feels slightly more emphatic and is very widely used, sometimes even in contexts where European Portuguese might lean towards embora or ainda que. Posto que and conquanto are formal in both variants but might be perceived as even more archaic in general BP speech compared to EP, where they retain a niche in specific formal written contexts. Both variants strictly adhere to the subjunctive mood rule.
These real-world examples illustrate that mastering formal concessions allows you to engage in sophisticated dialogue and writing, adapting your language to the specific demands of each situation while maintaining grammatical correctness and stylistic appropriateness.
Quick FAQ
embora in standard Portuguese?No. In standard, formal, and written Portuguese, embora (and ainda que, mesmo que, etc.) always requires the Subjunctive Mood. Using the indicative is a common mistake, sometimes heard in very informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, but it is considered ungrammatical and should be avoided, especially in C1-level contexts, exams, or formal communication. The subjunctive is integral to the meaning these connectors convey.
ainda que and mesmo que always interchangeable?They are largely interchangeable in many contexts, but mesmo que often carries a stronger emphasis or implies a more extreme hypothetical scenario – a sense of "even if it were the worst possible case." Ainda que is a bit more neutral and broadly applicable. Consider Mesmo que chovesse o dia todo, iríamos. (Even if it rained all day, we would go.) versus Ainda que chovesse, iríamos. (Although it might rain, we would go.). The former suggests a greater determination despite an extreme obstacle.
por mais que and embora?While both are concessive, por mais que (or por muito que) specifically highlights degree, quantity, or intensity. It means "however much/many" or "no matter how much/many." Embora, on the other hand, is a general "although" or "even though" that doesn't necessarily quantify the concession. You would use por mais que when the extent of something is the conceded point.
Embora ele seja talentoso, não trabalha muito.(Although he is talented, he doesn't work much.)Por mais talentoso que ele seja, não trabalha muito.(However talented he is, he doesn't work much.)
posto que always concessive? I've heard it can mean "because."Historically, posto que could indeed function as a causal conjunction (meaning "since" or "because"). However, in modern standard Portuguese, its usage is overwhelmingly and almost exclusively concessive (meaning "although" or "granted that"). For C1 learners, it is safest and most accurate to treat posto que solely as a formal concessive connector requiring the subjunctive. Using it causally would likely be considered archaic or incorrect today.
Conquanto is generally considered the most formal and archaic of the subjunctive-requiring concessive connectors. It is largely confined to highly formal written contexts, such as legal documents, classical literature, or very elevated academic discourse. For most C1-level academic and professional writing, posto que or embora will be sufficiently formal without sounding out of place.
Yes. Expressions like apesar de, a despeito de, and não obstante also convey concession, but they are typically followed by an infinitive verb (often the personal infinitive) or a noun phrase, not a finite verb in the subjunctive. Understanding this distinction is crucial to avoid mixing structures. For example, Apesar de estudar muito, não passou. (Despite studying a lot, he didn't pass.) uses an infinitive, whereas Embora estude muito, não passa. (Although he studies a lot, he doesn't pass.) uses the subjunctive. Always remember the structural requirements of each concessive phrase.
Concessive Connector Moods
| Connector | Mood Required | Example Verb | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Embora
|
Subjunctive
|
Seja
|
Although it is
|
|
Mesmo que
|
Subjunctive
|
Vá
|
Even if I go
|
|
Ainda que
|
Subjunctive
|
Tenha
|
Even though I have
|
|
Apesar de
|
Infinitive
|
Estar
|
Despite being
|
|
Conquanto
|
Subjunctive
|
Saiba
|
Although I know
|
|
Posto que
|
Subjunctive
|
Faça
|
Although I do
|
Meanings
These connectors introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause, indicating that the main action happens despite the obstacle.
Fact-based concession
Acknowledging a reality that does not prevent the main action.
“Embora saiba a verdade, ele não diz nada.”
“Embora o projeto seja caro, é necessário.”
Hypothetical concession
Expressing that an action will happen regardless of a potential obstacle.
“Mesmo que chova, iremos à praia.”
“Mesmo que ele peça desculpas, não vou perdoar.”
Infinitive concession
Using 'apesar de' followed by an infinitive verb.
“Apesar de estar tarde, continuamos.”
“Apesar de ter dinheiro, ele é avarento.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Embora + Subj
|
Embora chova, vou.
|
|
Negative
|
Embora + não + Subj
|
Embora não queira, vou.
|
|
Hypothetical
|
Mesmo que + Subj
|
Mesmo que chova, vou.
|
|
Infinitive
|
Apesar de + Inf
|
Apesar de chover, vou.
|
|
Past
|
Embora + Imperf Subj
|
Embora chovesse, fui.
|
|
Future
|
Mesmo que + Fut Subj
|
Mesmo que chova, irei.
|
Formality Spectrum
Embora seja dispendioso, irei adquiri-lo. (Shopping)
Embora seja caro, vou comprar. (Shopping)
Mesmo sendo caro, vou comprar. (Shopping)
Tá caro, mas vou levar mesmo assim. (Shopping)
Concessive Connectors Map
Fact
- Embora Although
Hypothesis
- Mesmo que Even if
Preposition
- Apesar de Despite
Examples by Level
Embora seja difícil, eu estudo.
Although it is difficult, I study.
Embora chova, eu saio.
Although it rains, I go out.
Embora seja cedo, acordo.
Although it is early, I wake up.
Embora esteja frio, vou.
Although it is cold, I go.
Mesmo que você não queira, eu vou.
Even if you don't want to, I will go.
Apesar de estar cansado, estudo.
Despite being tired, I study.
Embora ele fale muito, não diz nada.
Although he talks a lot, he says nothing.
Mesmo que seja caro, eu compro.
Even if it is expensive, I buy it.
Embora tenhamos pouco tempo, vamos terminar.
Although we have little time, we will finish.
Mesmo que ele tivesse dinheiro, não compraria.
Even if he had money, he wouldn't buy it.
Apesar de ter estudado, ele falhou.
Despite having studied, he failed.
Embora seja um problema, há solução.
Although it is a problem, there is a solution.
Embora a situação seja complexa, manteremos a calma.
Although the situation is complex, we will remain calm.
Mesmo que a proposta pareça boa, devemos analisar.
Even if the proposal seems good, we must analyze it.
Apesar de ser uma decisão difícil, é necessária.
Despite being a difficult decision, it is necessary.
Embora não saibamos o resultado, continuaremos.
Although we don't know the result, we will continue.
Embora se tenha discutido o tema, não houve consenso.
Although the topic was discussed, there was no consensus.
Mesmo que tivéssemos previsto, não teríamos evitado.
Even if we had foreseen it, we wouldn't have avoided it.
Ainda que a evidência seja clara, ele nega.
Even though the evidence is clear, he denies it.
Conquanto seja louvável, a iniciativa falhou.
Although it is praiseworthy, the initiative failed.
Embora o autor tenha tentado, a obra permanece obscura.
Although the author tried, the work remains obscure.
Mesmo que se considere o contexto, a falha é grave.
Even if one considers the context, the failure is serious.
Posto que seja verdade, não justifica o ato.
Although it is true, it does not justify the act.
Apesar de haver discordância, o acordo foi assinado.
Despite there being disagreement, the agreement was signed.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'mas' as a direct translation for 'although'.
Learners use 'embora' with an infinitive.
Learners think they are different in meaning.
Common Mistakes
Embora é tarde.
Embora seja tarde.
Embora estar tarde.
Embora seja tarde.
Mesmo que ele vai.
Mesmo que ele vá.
Apesar de que ele vai.
Apesar de ele ir.
Embora ele tem dinheiro.
Embora ele tenha dinheiro.
Mesmo que ele tem.
Mesmo que ele tenha.
Apesar de ele tem.
Apesar de ele ter.
Embora ele sabia.
Embora ele soubesse.
Mesmo que ele sabia.
Mesmo que ele soubesse.
Apesar de ele sabia.
Apesar de ele saber.
Embora ele tem tido.
Embora ele tenha tido.
Mesmo que ele teria.
Mesmo que ele tivesse.
Ainda que ele vai.
Ainda que ele vá.
Conquanto ele é.
Conquanto ele seja.
Sentence Patterns
Embora ___ (verb), ___ (main clause).
Mesmo que ___ (verb), ___ (main clause).
Apesar de ___ (verb), ___ (main clause).
Ainda que ___ (verb), ___ (main clause).
Real World Usage
Embora tenhamos um atraso, o projeto será entregue.
Mesmo que você discorde, os dados são reais.
Apesar de estar chovendo, vamos sair.
Embora o restaurante esteja fechado, o pedido foi aceito.
Embora eu não tenha experiência, aprendo rápido.
Mesmo que demore, eu vou.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Avoid Indicative
Use 'Apesar de' for simplicity
Regional Nuance
Smart Tips
Use 'Embora' to soften a negative point.
Use 'Ainda que' to show you've considered the other side.
Use 'Mesmo que' to show determination.
Use 'Apesar de' to avoid complex verb forms.
Pronunciation
Embora
Stress on the second syllable: em-BO-ra.
Mesmo
The 's' is often pronounced as 'sh' in Rio or 's' in São Paulo.
Rising-Falling
Embora chova (rise), eu vou (fall).
Indicates the contrast between the two clauses.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Embora is a Fact, Mesmo que is a Guess.
Visual Association
Imagine a person walking through a storm (the obstacle) with an umbrella (the concession). The umbrella is the 'Embora' that protects the main action.
Rhyme
Embora é fato, mesmo que é incerto, use o subjuntivo para estar correto.
Story
Maria wanted to go to the party. Although (Embora) it was raining, she went. Even if (Mesmo que) it had snowed, she would have gone. Despite (Apesar de) the storm, she had fun.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day: one with 'Embora', one with 'Mesmo que', and one with 'Apesar de'.
Cultural Notes
Brazilians often use 'mesmo que' in casual speech, while 'embora' is reserved for writing.
European Portuguese speakers frequently use the personal infinitive after 'apesar de'.
In academic writing, 'conquanto' is preferred over 'embora'.
These constructions evolved from Latin concessive clauses using the subjunctive mood.
Conversation Starters
Embora você esteja ocupado, pode me ajudar?
Mesmo que ganhasse na loteria, você trabalharia?
Apesar de ser difícil, você gosta de aprender português?
Embora o mundo mude, o que você acha que permanece igual?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Embora ele (saber) a verdade, não diz nada.
___ chova, vou sair.
Find and fix the mistake:
Apesar de ele estuda, não aprende.
Embora ele seja rico, é infeliz.
Mesmo que requires the indicative mood.
A: Ele vai vir? B: ___ ele prometa, não confio.
Use: 'Mesmo que', 'eu', 'não', 'querer', 'ir'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEmbora ele (saber) a verdade, não diz nada.
___ chova, vou sair.
Find and fix the mistake:
Apesar de ele estuda, não aprende.
Embora ele seja rico, é infeliz.
Mesmo que requires the indicative mood.
A: Ele vai vir? B: ___ ele prometa, não confio.
Use: 'Mesmo que', 'eu', 'não', 'querer', 'ir'.
Embora / Apesar de
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesVou à praia, embora ___ (chover).
___ (No matter how much) eu corra, sempre chego atrasado.
seja / Embora / difícil / tentarei / eu
Mesmo que nós ___ (ter) tempo, não iríamos.
Even though he is my friend...
Por muito que você fala, ninguém te escuta.
Match the pairs.
___ (Albeit) seja tarde, continuaremos a reunião.
Select the sentence implying 'Even IF':
Posto que o dia está bonito, ficaremos em casa.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it is grammatically incorrect in standard Portuguese.
They are synonyms, but 'ainda que' is more formal.
No, 'apesar de' takes the infinitive.
It is usually used for hypothetical situations.
It is a versatile connector that fits well in casual speech.
No, it must introduce the concessive clause.
You can use 'apesar de' + infinitive to avoid repeating the subject.
Yes, but 'mesmo que' is more frequent in casual conversation.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Aunque + subjuntivo/indicativo
Spanish allows the indicative after 'aunque' for facts, whereas Portuguese prefers the subjunctive.
Bien que + subjonctif
French has a more rigid subjunctive requirement than Portuguese.
Obwohl + indicativo
German does not use the subjunctive for concessive clauses.
~temo / ~noni
Japanese lacks a mood system like the Romance subjunctive.
رغم أن (raghma anna)
Arabic does not have a subjunctive mood for this specific structure.
虽然...但是... (suīrán... dànshì...)
Chinese has no verb conjugation or mood system.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
The Conditional 'Se' (If)
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Portuguese Verb Regimen: Using the Right Prepositions (Regência Verbal)
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Advanced Connectors: Result & Consequence (tão... que, de modo que)
Overview As you advance in Portuguese, moving towards the C1 level, your goal shifts from merely being understood to exp...
Asking 'Why' in Portuguese (Por que)
Overview Portuguese, like English, requires a precise way to ask "why." For learners at the A1 (Beginner) CEFR level, **...
Por vs. Para: Doing Favors & Swapping
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