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A2 conjunction 9 min read

no entanto

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips no entanto in 30 Seconds

Explanation no entanto in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to connect your thoughts. You likely use the word 'mas' (but) for everything. 'No entanto' is a slightly more advanced version of 'mas'. Think of it as 'However'. At this stage, you should recognize it when you hear it in simple stories or news. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but knowing that 'no entanto' means 'but' will help you understand more complex texts. For example, if someone says 'Está sol; no entanto, está frio', they are saying 'It is sunny; however, it is cold'. It connects two opposite ideas. Just remember: it's like a bridge that changes direction.

At the A2 level, you should begin incorporating 'no entanto' into your writing and speaking to sound more natural. Instead of always saying 'mas', try using 'no entanto' to connect two sentences. It helps you pass the A2 exams because it shows you can use more than just the most basic vocabulary. Remember the punctuation: usually, you put a semicolon (;) or a full stop (.) before it and a comma (,) after it. This word is very useful when you want to describe a situation where something unexpected happens, like 'Eu estudei; no entanto, não passei' (I studied; however, I didn't pass). It makes your Portuguese sound much more polished.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex logical structures. 'No entanto' becomes a key tool for 'argumentative' Portuguese. When you write an opinion essay or participate in a debate, you use 'no entanto' to acknowledge one side of an issue before presenting the other. You should also be aware of the difference between 'no entanto' (however) and 'portanto' (therefore), as mixing them up can change your whole meaning. At this level, you should feel comfortable using it in professional emails or formal letters. It shows that you can manage the flow of information and guide the reader through your reasoning.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'no entanto' with perfect punctuation and stylistic variety. You might start experimenting with its placement in the sentence for emphasis, although putting it at the start of the second clause remains the standard. You should also be able to distinguish 'no entanto' from its synonyms like 'contudo' or 'todavia' based on the register of the situation. You are now reading longer texts where 'no entanto' is used to link complex paragraphs. Your ability to use this conjunction correctly is a sign that you have moved into the 'Upper Intermediate' range of fluency.

At the C1 level, 'no entanto' is a standard part of your academic and professional repertoire. You use it to create sophisticated transitions between abstract ideas. You understand the subtle rhythmic differences between 'no entanto', 'porém', and 'entretanto' (especially the regional differences between Portugal and Brazil). You can use 'no entanto' to introduce a subtle nuance or a concession in a high-level discussion. You also recognize when 'no entanto' is used in literature to create a specific atmosphere or to delay a revelation in a story. Your usage is seamless and natural, indistinguishable from a native speaker's formal discourse.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'no entanto' and all its stylistic implications. you can use it to mimic different styles of writing, from 19th-century prose to modern legal jargon. You understand its historical etymology and how it fits into the broader evolution of the Portuguese language. You can use it in highly complex rhetorical structures, perhaps even placing it at the end of a clause for a specific dramatic effect in a speech. For a C2 learner, 'no entanto' is not just a word, but a versatile tool for precision, tone, and rhetorical strategy in the most demanding linguistic contexts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

no entanto in 30 Seconds

A versatile Portuguese conjunction meaning 'however' or 'nevertheless', used to introduce a contrasting idea or an unexpected result in a sentence.
Functions as a more formal and sophisticated alternative to the basic word 'mas', making it essential for intermediate and advanced communication.
Requires specific punctuation, typically preceded by a semicolon or period and followed by a comma, to ensure correct grammatical flow and emphasis.
Universally understood across all Lusophone countries, appearing frequently in news, literature, professional writing, and polite everyday conversation.

The Portuguese conjunction no entanto is a fundamental tool for any student aiming to move beyond basic proficiency. At its core, it functions as an adversative conjunction, which means it introduces a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has been previously mentioned. For English speakers, the most direct equivalents are however, nevertheless, or nonetheless. While beginners often rely heavily on the word mas (but), no entanto provides a more sophisticated, rhythmic, and formal alternative that is essential for academic writing, professional emails, and nuanced conversation.

Grammatical Function: It serves as a linking phrase that connects two independent clauses, signaling to the listener that a 'pivot' or a 'counter-argument' is coming. Unlike 'mas', which usually stays at the beginning of the second clause, 'no entanto' can sometimes be placed with more flexibility in literary contexts, though its standard position is at the start of the contrasting idea.
Register and Tone: It occupies a mid-to-high register. You will hear it in news broadcasts, read it in newspapers, and use it in business meetings. While not 'stiff', it sounds more polished than the casual 'mas'. It suggests a level of education and thoughtfulness in the speaker's discourse.

O projeto é excelente; no entanto, não temos orçamento para este ano.

Translation: The project is excellent; however, we do not have the budget for this year.

Understanding the semantic weight of no entanto is crucial. It doesn't just provide a simple opposition; it often implies that despite the positive or factual nature of the first statement, there is a significant hurdle or alternative perspective that must be considered. This 'weight' is what separates it from the quick 'mas'. When you use no entanto, you are asking the listener to pause and weigh the two parts of your sentence more equally.

Ele estudou muito para o exame; no entanto, não conseguiu a nota que queria.

In terms of structure, 'no entanto' is a locution composed of the preposition 'em' + the article 'o' (forming 'no') and the word 'entanto' (derived from the Latin 'in tanto', meaning 'in so much' or 'meanwhile'). Historically, it suggested a contrast within a specific timeframe or scope, which evolved into the modern 'however'.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Formal writing (essays, reports).
2. Polite disagreements in conversation.
3. News reporting where neutrality and balance are required.
4. Clarifying a point that might be misunderstood.

A comida estava deliciosa; no entanto, o serviço foi muito lento.

Mastering the use of no entanto requires attention to punctuation and sentence structure. In Portuguese, adversative locutions like this one are almost always preceded by a semicolon (;) or a period (.), and followed by a comma (,). This punctuation helps to create the necessary 'breath' or pause that emphasizes the contrast being made.

O sol brilhava intensamente. No entanto, a temperatura continuava baixa.

Translation: The sun was shining brightly. However, the temperature remained low.

Note that when no entanto starts a new sentence, the first letter must be capitalized. If it is used to connect two clauses within the same sentence, a semicolon is usually the most elegant choice, though a comma is also acceptable if the clauses are short and closely related.

Placement Variations: While usually placed at the start of the second clause, in literary or highly formal Portuguese, 'no entanto' can be placed after the verb of the second clause, surrounded by commas. Example: 'O clima era bom; a colheita, no entanto, foi fraca.' (The weather was good; the harvest, however, was poor.) This is advanced usage and adds a sophisticated flair to your writing.

Let's look at how it interacts with different tenses. No entanto does not trigger the subjunctive mood on its own. It is a coordinating conjunction, meaning the verb tense in the second clause depends entirely on the meaning you wish to convey, not on the word 'no entanto' itself.

Eles prometeram chegar cedo; no entanto, ainda não apareceram.

Comparison with 'Porém': Both 'no entanto' and 'porém' are synonyms. However, 'porém' is slightly more common in Brazil for formal writing, while 'no entanto' is universally used and often feels a bit more modern or conversational in Portugal.

A tecnologia avançou; no entanto, os problemas sociais persistem.

When practicing, try replacing 'mas' with 'no entanto' in your written exercises. You will immediately notice how the sentence feels more 'complete' and professional. It forces you to balance your thoughts and provides a clear signal to your reader about the logical flow of your argument.

If you turn on a Portuguese news channel like RTP or SIC, or a Brazilian one like Globo News, you will hear no entanto constantly. It is the bread and butter of journalism. Reporters use it to present two sides of a story or to introduce a complicating factor in a news report.

'O governo anunciou novas medidas econômicas. No entanto, a oposição criticou a falta de clareza.'

A typical news anchor sentence.

In the workplace, no entanto is used to soften the blow of negative feedback or to introduce a constraint. If a manager says, 'Your performance has been great; no entanto...', you know that a 'but' is coming regarding a specific area of improvement. It sounds more professional and less aggressive than using 'mas'.

Literature and Podcasts: In literature, from the classics like Machado de Assis to modern authors like José Saramago, this phrase is used to build tension and complexity in narrative. In educational podcasts, it’s used to pivot between different points of an explanation.

In casual conversation, especially in Portugal, you might hear it when someone is being slightly defensive or clarifying their position. It’s not 'slang', but it is very common. For example, if someone is accused of being late, they might say: 'Eu saí a horas; no entanto, o trânsito estava horrível.'

A conferência foi um sucesso; no entanto, esperávamos mais participantes.

Finally, you will find it in legal and administrative documents. If you are applying for a visa or reading a contract in Portuguese, no entanto will likely appear to define exceptions to rules. Learning this word helps you navigate the bureaucratic world of Lusophone countries with much more confidence.

O contrato é válido por um ano; no entanto, pode ser rescindido com aviso prévio.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the comma placement. In English, we often put a comma after 'However'. In Portuguese, this is also mandatory, but many students forget the punctuation before it. You cannot simply join two full sentences with just 'no entanto' without a semicolon or a period.

Incorrect: Eu gosto de café no entanto prefiro chá.
Correct: Eu gosto de café; no entanto, prefiro chá.

Confusion with 'Portanto': Because they sound somewhat similar, many learners confuse 'no entanto' (however) with 'portanto' (therefore). This is a critical mistake because they have opposite logical functions. 'No entanto' introduces a contrast, while 'portanto' introduces a conclusion or result. Always double-check which one you need!

Another mistake is using 'no entanto' in very informal texting where 'mas' or even just 'só que' (it's just that) would be much more natural. While not 'wrong', using it with your best friends while talking about what to eat for dinner might sound a bit like you're reading from a textbook.

Ele é muito inteligente. No entanto, às vezes falta-lhe bom senso.

Spelling Errors: Be careful not to write 'no emtanto' (with an 'm'). In Portuguese, before 't', we always use 'n'. Also, ensure you write it as two separate words: 'no' and 'entanto'. Do not join them into 'noentanto'.

Finally, some students try to translate 'no entanto' as 'in the meanwhile'. While 'entanto' has historical roots in time, 'no entanto' in modern Portuguese is strictly for contrast. If you want to say 'meanwhile', use entretanto or enquanto isso.

Portuguese is rich in adversative conjunctions. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey, you might choose one of the following alternatives to no entanto.

Mas: The most common and neutral way to say 'but'. It is used in almost every context but lacks the rhythmic 'punch' of 'no entanto'. It cannot be moved around the sentence like 'no entanto' can.
Porém: Very similar to 'no entanto'. It is common in literary and formal writing. In Brazil, 'porém' is frequently used as a direct synonym for 'but' in slightly more elevated speech.
Contudo: This is even more formal. It’s often used in academic theses or formal speeches. It carries a sense of 'all things considered, nevertheless'.
Todavia: Another high-register synonym. It has a slightly archaic or highly literary feel to it. You will find it in classic books or very formal legal arguments.

Eles tentaram de tudo; contudo, não obtiveram sucesso.

Choosing between these alternatives depends on the 'flow' of your sentence. If you have already used 'mas' in a paragraph, using 'no entanto' in the next sentence avoids repetition. This variety is what makes a speaker sound truly fluent and articulate.

A situação é difícil; todavia, há esperança.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Historically, 'entanto' was often used to describe a specific quantity of time, but today it is almost exclusively used as a logical connector.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nu ẽ.ˈtɐ̃.tu/

US /nu en.ˈtɑn.tu/

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

Rhymes With

espanto canto manto santo tanto recanto encanto entanto

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'entanto' like an English 'n' instead of nasalizing the vowel.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a hard 'o' (like 'go') instead of a soft 'u'.
Stress on the first syllable 'en' instead of 'tan'.
Merging 'no' and 'entanto' into one word without the proper vowel transition.
Pronouncing 'no' as 'noh' instead of 'nu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a marker of contrast.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct punctuation (semicolon and comma) which learners often forget.

Speaking 3/5

Needs practice to get the nasal 'en' and the stress on 'tan' right.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct, usually easy to hear in news and formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mas em o tanto porque

Learn Next

porém contudo todavia entretanto embora

Advanced

conquanto não obstante posto que malgrado

Grammar to Know

Adversative Coordination

Ligar duas orações independentes com sentidos opostos.

Punctuation with Conjunctions

Uso obrigatório de vírgula após 'no entanto' no início da oração.

Contrastive Flow

Garantir a coesão textual através de conectores lógicos.

Manter o tom formal ao longo de todo o parágrafo.

Ellipsis in Coordinate Clauses

Omitir o sujeito na segunda oração se for o mesmo da primeira.

Examples by Level

Eu gosto de maçãs; no entanto, prefiro laranjas.

I like apples; however, I prefer oranges.

Simple contrast between two preferences.

O carro é velho; no entanto, funciona bem.

The car is old; however, it works well.

Connecting a negative trait with a positive one.

Ela está cansada; no entanto, vai trabalhar.

She is tired; however, she is going to work.

Showing a contradiction in action.

O livro é curto; no entanto, é muito bom.

The book is short; however, it is very good.

Contrasting size with quality.

Está a chover; no entanto, não está frio.

It is raining; however, it is not cold.

Describing weather conditions.

O café está quente; no entanto, não tem açúcar.

The coffee is hot; however, it has no sugar.

Simple factual contrast.

Ele é jovem; no entanto, é muito sábio.

He is young; however, he is very wise.

Contrasting age and experience.

A casa é pequena; no entanto, é bonita.

The house is small; however, it is beautiful.

Adjective contrast.

Nós queríamos ir à praia; no entanto, começou a chover.

We wanted to go to the beach; however, it started to rain.

Using 'no entanto' to explain a change of plans.

O exame foi difícil; no entanto, todos os alunos passaram.

The exam was difficult; however, all the students passed.

Showing an unexpected result.

Ela fala francês; no entanto, nunca viveu na França.

She speaks French; however, she never lived in France.

Contrasting a skill with a lack of experience.

O filme é longo; no entanto, vale a pena ver.

The movie is long; however, it is worth seeing.

Using a common idiomatic expression 'vale a pena'.

O restaurante é caro; no entanto, a comida é excelente.

The restaurant is expensive; however, the food is excellent.

Economic contrast.

Ele correu muito; no entanto, chegou atrasado.

He ran a lot; however, he arrived late.

Effort vs. outcome.

Eu li o manual; no entanto, não entendi como funciona.

I read the manual; however, I didn't understand how it works.

Action vs. comprehension.

O hotel era simples; no entanto, era muito limpo.

The hotel was simple; however, it was very clean.

Contrasting luxury with hygiene.

A economia está a crescer; no entanto, o desemprego continua alto.

The economy is growing; however, unemployment remains high.

Formal economic context.

O plano parece perfeito; no entanto, precisamos de mais tempo para executá-lo.

The plan seems perfect; however, we need more time to execute it.

Business/Project management context.

Eles prometeram investir na educação; no entanto, os cortes continuam.

They promised to invest in education; however, the cuts continue.

Political discourse.

A tecnologia facilita a vida; no entanto, pode causar isolamento social.

Technology makes life easier; however, it can cause social isolation.

Sociological observation.

O autor é muito famoso; no entanto, esta sua última obra foi mal recebida.

The author is very famous; however, this latest work of his was poorly received.

Literary criticism.

A viagem foi cansativa; no entanto, as paisagens foram inesquecíveis.

The trip was tiring; however, the landscapes were unforgettable.

Balancing experience.

O sistema é seguro; no entanto, é necessário mudar a senha regularmente.

The system is secure; however, it is necessary to change the password regularly.

Technical instruction.

O atleta treinou intensamente; no entanto, uma lesão impediu a sua participação.

The athlete trained intensely; however, an injury prevented his participation.

Narrative contrast.

A proposta foi aceite pela maioria; no entanto, alguns detalhes técnicos ainda geram controvérsia.

The proposal was accepted by the majority; however, some technical details still generate controversy.

Complex formal sentence with passive voice.

A empresa expandiu as suas operações; no entanto, os lucros não aumentaram proporcionalmente.

The company expanded its operations; however, profits did not increase proportionally.

Professional financial reporting.

O medicamento é eficaz no tratamento da dor; no entanto, os efeitos secundários são preocupantes.

The medicine is effective in treating pain; however, the side effects are worrying.

Medical/Scientific context.

A nova lei visa proteger o ambiente; no entanto, muitos argumentam que ela prejudica a indústria.

The new law aims to protect the environment; however, many argue that it harms the industry.

Legal and social debate.

O museu possui uma vasta coleção; no entanto, apenas uma pequena parte está exposta ao público.

The museum has a vast collection; however, only a small part is on display to the public.

Descriptive formal Portuguese.

A pesquisa revelou dados interessantes; no entanto, a metodologia foi questionada por especialistas.

The research revealed interesting data; however, the methodology was questioned by experts.

Academic critique.

O clima na região é geralmente seco; no entanto, este ano as chuvas foram abundantes.

The climate in the region is generally dry; however, this year the rains were abundant.

Climatological observation.

O ator entregou uma performance brilhante; no entanto, o guião do filme era medíocre.

The actor delivered a brilliant performance; however, the film's script was mediocre.

Artistic evaluation.

A globalização trouxe benefícios inegáveis à comunicação; no entanto, exacerbou as desigualdades sociais pré-existentes.

Globalization brought undeniable benefits to communication; however, it exacerbated pre-existing social inequalities.

Advanced sociological analysis.

A obra de Saramago é marcada pela ausência de pontuação convencional; no entanto, a fluidez narrativa é mantida de forma magistral.

Saramago's work is marked by the absence of conventional punctuation; however, narrative fluidity is masterfully maintained.

Literary analysis.

O réu admitiu a presença no local do crime; no entanto, negou veementemente qualquer envolvimento direto nos factos.

The defendant admitted to being at the crime scene; however, he vehemently denied any direct involvement in the facts.

Legal terminology ('réu', 'veementemente').

A teoria quântica desafia a nossa intuição clássica; no entanto, as suas previsões têm sido confirmadas com precisão extraordinária.

Quantum theory challenges our classical intuition; however, its predictions have been confirmed with extraordinary precision.

Scientific discourse.

O governo implementou reformas estruturais profundas; no entanto, os resultados tangíveis na qualidade de vida tardam em aparecer.

The government implemented deep structural reforms; however, tangible results in quality of life are slow to appear.

Political and economic complexity.

A inteligência artificial promete revolucionar a medicina; no entanto, levanta dilemas éticos sem precedentes sobre a autonomia humana.

Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize medicine; however, it raises unprecedented ethical dilemmas about human autonomy.

Contemporary ethical debate.

A arquitetura da cidade é predominantemente moderna; no entanto, ainda subsistem vestígios do seu passado medieval.

The city's architecture is predominantly modern; however, traces of its medieval past still remain.

Urban and historical description.

O investimento em energias renováveis é crucial; no entanto, a dependência de combustíveis fósseis ainda é uma realidade difícil de alterar.

Investment in renewable energies is crucial; however, the dependence on fossil fuels is still a difficult reality to change.

Environmental policy discussion.

Poder-se-ia argumentar que a arte é um reflexo da sociedade; no entanto, tal afirmação peca por uma simplificação excessiva da natureza estética.

One could argue that art is a reflection of society; however, such a statement suffers from an excessive simplification of the aesthetic nature.

Hypothetical construction ('Poder-se-ia') and philosophical nuance.

A diplomacia internacional logrou evitar o conflito armado; no entanto, a paz alcançada é de uma fragilidade inquietante.

International diplomacy succeeded in avoiding armed conflict; however, the peace achieved is of a disturbing fragility.

High-level diplomatic vocabulary ('logrou', 'inquietante').

O autor utiliza arcaísmos para evocar uma atmosfera de outrora; no entanto, a temática da obra permanece surpreendentemente contemporânea.

The author uses archaisms to evoke an atmosphere of yesteryear; however, the work's theme remains surprisingly contemporary.

Literary and linguistic meta-commentary.

A análise macroeconómica sugere uma estabilização dos mercados; no entanto, as flutuações microeconómicas continuam a fustigar as famílias mais vulneráveis.

Macroeconomic analysis suggests market stabilization; however, microeconomic fluctuations continue to lash the most vulnerable families.

Precise economic terminology ('fustigar').

A retórica do orador foi impecável e persuasiva; no entanto, a vacuidade dos seus argumentos não escapou aos ouvintes mais atentos.

The speaker's rhetoric was impeccable and persuasive; however, the emptiness of his arguments did not escape the most attentive listeners.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('vacuidade').

A descoberta arqueológica reveste-se de uma importância capital; no entanto, a sua interpretação definitiva exige cautela e novos estudos.

The archaeological discovery is of paramount importance; however, its definitive interpretation requires caution and new studies.

Formal administrative and scientific tone.

A liberdade de expressão é um pilar da democracia; no entanto, o seu exercício não deve ser confundido com a propagação deliberada de falsidades.

Freedom of expression is a pillar of democracy; however, its exercise should not be confused with the deliberate propagation of falsehoods.

Political philosophy and legal ethics.

O decréscimo demográfico é uma tendência clara no ocidente; no entanto, as soluções propostas para reverter este quadro são ainda embrionárias.

Demographic decrease is a clear trend in the West; however, the solutions proposed to reverse this situation are still embryonic.

Advanced social science terminology ('embrionárias').

Common Collocations

No entanto, é importante...

No entanto, convém...

No entanto, por outro lado...

No entanto, a verdade é que...

No entanto, não se pode esquecer...

No entanto, resta saber...

No entanto, deve-se ressaltar...

No entanto, cumpre salientar...

No entanto, nada impede que...

No entanto, é preciso dizer...

Common Phrases

No entanto, tudo indica que...

— Used to transition to a likely conclusion that contradicts initial doubts.

O início foi difícil; no entanto, tudo indica que teremos lucro.

No entanto, caso contrário...

— Used to set a condition that is opposite to the preferred outcome.

Espero que venhas; no entanto, caso contrário, avisa-me.

No entanto, a meu ver...

— Used to introduce a personal opinion that differs from the consensus.

Muitos gostaram; no entanto, a meu ver, o livro é fraco.

No entanto, sem prejuízo de...

— A legalistic phrase meaning 'however, without prejudice to'.

Pode ir agora; no entanto, sem prejuízo de futuras reuniões.

No entanto, para além disso...

— Used to add a contrasting point that also adds new information.

Ele é rico; no entanto, para além disso, é muito generoso.

No entanto, em contrapartida...

— Emphasizes the 'trade-off' or the other side of a coin.

O trabalho é duro; no entanto, em contrapartida, o salário é alto.

No entanto, nem tudo são flores.

— A common idiom meaning 'however, not everything is perfect/easy'.

Ganhámos o jogo; no entanto, nem tudo são flores, pois o capitão lesionou-se.

No entanto, mais do que isso...

— Used to emphasize that a contrasting point is even more significant.

Ele é inteligente; no entanto, mais do que isso, ele é esforçado.

No entanto, diga-se de passagem...

— Used to add a contrasting side-note or incidental remark.

Ele falhou; no entanto, diga-se de passagem, a culpa não foi só dele.

No entanto, salve-se quem puder.

— Used in chaotic situations to show a contrast with previous order.

A festa estava calma; no entanto, quando a luz apagou, foi um salve-se quem puder.

Often Confused With

no entanto vs portanto

Means 'therefore'. It shows a result, while 'no entanto' shows a contrast. This is the #1 mistake.

no entanto vs entretanto

In Brazil, it usually means 'meanwhile'. In Portugal, it can mean 'however'. Be careful with the context.

no entanto vs porquanto

An archaic word meaning 'because' or 'since'. It sounds similar but has a totally different function.

Idioms & Expressions

"No entanto, nem tudo o que reluz é ouro."

— Used to warn that something appearing good might have contrasting hidden flaws.

O negócio parece ótimo; no entanto, nem tudo o que reluz é ouro.

proverbial

"No entanto, águas passadas não movem moinhos."

— Used to contrast a past event with the need to move on.

Ele errou; no entanto, águas passadas não movem moinhos.

proverbial

"No entanto, quem não arrisca, não petisca."

— Used to contrast a dangerous situation with the potential reward.

É perigoso; no entanto, quem não arrisca, não petisca.

proverbial

"No entanto, devagar se vai ao longe."

— Contrasts a slow pace with the ultimate achievement of a goal.

O progresso é lento; no entanto, devagar se vai ao longe.

proverbial

"No entanto, a cavalo dado não se olha o dente."

— Contrasts a gift's flaws with the fact that it was free.

O carro é velho; no entanto, a cavalo dado não se olha o dente.

proverbial

"No entanto, para bom entendedor, meia palavra basta."

— Contrasts a short explanation with the listener's high intelligence.

Não disse tudo; no entanto, para bom entendedor, meia palavra basta.

proverbial

"No entanto, cada macaco no seu galho."

— Contrasts a desire to interfere with the need to mind one's business.

Eu queria ajudar; no entanto, cada macaco no seu galho.

informal/idiomatic

"No entanto, o seguro morreu de velho."

— Contrasts a safe situation with the need for extra caution.

Parece seguro; no entanto, o seguro morreu de velho.

idiomatic

"No entanto, não se pode ter sol na eira e chuva no nabal."

— Contrasts two conflicting desires that cannot happen at once.

Queres viajar e poupar; no entanto, não se pode ter sol na eira e chuva no nabal.

proverbial/regional

"No entanto, a pressa é inimiga da perfeição."

— Contrasts speed with the resulting poor quality.

Terminámos rápido; no entanto, a pressa é inimiga da perfeição.

proverbial

Easily Confused

no entanto vs mas

Both mean 'but'.

'Mas' is a simple conjunction that always stays at the start of its clause. 'No entanto' is a locution and is more formal.

Gosto de sol, mas prefiro sombra. / Gosto de sol; no entanto, prefiro sombra.

no entanto vs porém

Exact synonyms.

'Porém' is slightly more common in Brazil. 'No entanto' is slightly more rhythmic and common in Portugal.

Ele tentou; porém, falhou. / Ele tentou; no entanto, falhou.

no entanto vs contudo

Both express contrast.

'Contudo' is more formal and often implies a stronger 'nevertheless' weight.

O relatório está pronto; contudo, faltam os anexos.

no entanto vs todavia

Both express contrast.

'Todavia' is literary and sounds more traditional or old-fashioned.

A alma é imortal; todavia, o corpo perece.

no entanto vs enquanto

Sounds like 'entanto'.

'Enquanto' means 'while' (time). 'No entanto' means 'however' (logic).

Eu como enquanto estudo. / Eu estudo; no entanto, não aprendo.

Sentence Patterns

[Positive Statement]; no entanto, [Negative Fact].

Ele é rico; no entanto, é infeliz.

[General Rule]. No entanto, [Exception].

O museu abre todos os dias. No entanto, fecha nos feriados.

[Effort Made]; no entanto, [Failure].

Tentei ligar; no entanto, ninguém atendeu.

[Argument A]; no entanto, é preciso considerar [Argument B].

A cidade é segura; no entanto, é preciso considerar o aumento do crime pequeno.

[Action taken]; no entanto, sem o efeito desejado.

Aplicámos o produto; no entanto, sem o efeito desejado.

No entanto, convém notar que...

No entanto, convém notar que os resultados variam por região.

[Statement], não sendo, no entanto, [Clarification].

Ele é o líder, não sendo, no entanto, o dono da empresa.

[Assertion]; no entanto, tal não invalida [Counter-point].

A teoria é velha; no entanto, tal não invalida a sua utilidade prática.

Word Family

Nouns

tanto (amount/so much)

porém

contudo

todavia

How to Use It

frequency

High in written Portuguese; medium-high in spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu quero ir, no entanto não posso. → Eu quero ir; no entanto, não posso.
Missing the semicolon before and the comma after. This makes the sentence a 'run-on' sentence.
No entanto que eu saiba... → No entanto, que eu saiba...
Learners often forget the comma, which changes the rhythm and makes it harder to read.
Confusing 'No entanto' with 'Portanto'. → Estudei muito; portanto, passei. / Estudei muito; no entanto, reprovei.
Using a contrast word when you mean a result word. This ruins the logic of your sentence.
Mas no entanto, ele veio. → No entanto, ele veio. / Mas ele veio.
Redundancy. Using two adversative conjunctions together is stylistically incorrect.
Writing 'noemtanto' as one word. → No entanto
It is a locution consisting of two separate words. Joining them is a spelling error.

Tips

Punctuation Rule

Always use a comma after 'no entanto' when it starts a clause or sentence. This mimics the natural pause in speech.

Vary Your Connectors

Don't use 'no entanto' in every paragraph. Switch between 'porém', 'contudo', and 'mas' to keep your writing engaging.

The 'Nasal' Secret

Native speakers barely pronounce the 'n'. Focus on the nasal vowel 'ẽ' to sound more authentic.

B1/B2 Exam Tip

Examiners look for 'no entanto' as a sign of upper-intermediate proficiency. Use it in your writing tasks to boost your score.

Context Clues

When you see 'no entanto', look back at the previous sentence. The meaning of the text is about to shift in the opposite direction.

Etymology Help

Remember 'no' (in the) + 'entanto' (meantime). It helps you remember that it connects two different 'times' or 'states' of an idea.

News Anchor Speech

Watch the news and count how many times they use this word. It's the best way to hear it in a natural, formal context.

Email Professionalism

Use 'no entanto' when declining a request in an email. It sounds much more polite than a simple 'mas'.

Not 'Meanwhile'

Avoid translating it as 'meanwhile' in your head. Stick to 'however' to ensure you use it with the correct logic.

Regional Nuance

In Portugal, you'll hear it more in daily life. In Brazil, it's a bit more reserved for 'serious' topics.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'No' as 'Not' and 'Entanto' as 'Entirely'. So, 'No entanto' = 'Not entirely true because...', which leads to a contrast.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge that suddenly turns 90 degrees. The first part of the sentence is the straight bridge, and 'no entanto' is the sharp turn.

Word Web

mas porém contudo todavia entretanto conjunction contrast adversative

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby, using 'no entanto' to describe a challenge you face with it.

Word Origin

Formed by the contraction of the preposition 'em' with the article 'o' (no) followed by 'entanto'.

Original meaning: 'In that much' or 'In the meantime'. Over time, it shifted from a temporal meaning to a purely logical contrastive meaning.

Romance (Latin roots: 'in' + 'illum' + 'tantum').

Cultural Context

There are no specific sensitivities, but using it in extremely informal slang-heavy environments might make you sound slightly 'out of place' or overly formal.

Think of it exactly as 'However'. Just as 'However' sounds more formal than 'But', 'No entanto' sounds more formal than 'Mas'.

Used extensively in the speeches of Portuguese presidents. A common connective in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa. Frequently appears in the headlines of 'Público' (Portugal) and 'Folha de S.Paulo' (Brazil).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Emails

No entanto, aguardo o seu feedback.
No entanto, surgiram novos imprevistos.
No entanto, estamos à disposição.
No entanto, o prazo termina amanhã.

News Reporting

No entanto, a polícia ainda investiga.
No entanto, as testemunhas negam.
No entanto, o cenário é incerto.
No entanto, os peritos confirmam.

Academic Essays

No entanto, esta teoria é limitada.
No entanto, convém ressaltar que...
No entanto, os dados mostram o contrário.
No entanto, a análise revela que...

Daily Planning

No entanto, tenho de passar no banco.
No entanto, não te esqueças das chaves.
No entanto, o supermercado está fechado.
No entanto, podemos ir amanhã.

Giving Directions

No entanto, é mais rápido pelo centro.
No entanto, a rua está em obras.
No entanto, não vires à esquerda.
No entanto, o GPS costuma falhar aqui.

Conversation Starters

"O tempo está ótimo hoje; no entanto, dizem que vai chover amanhã. O que achas?"

"Este café é muito famoso; no entanto, acho que o outro é melhor. Já provaste?"

"O filme recebeu boas críticas; no entanto, parece-me muito longo. Queres ir ver?"

"Aprender português é divertido; no entanto, a gramática é difícil. Qual é a tua maior dificuldade?"

"Lisboa é uma cidade linda; no entanto, tem muitas subidas. Estás cansado de andar?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre um objetivo que alcançaste; no entanto, descreve as dificuldades que encontraste pelo caminho.

Descreve o teu prato favorito; no entanto, menciona um ingrediente que nunca colocarias nele.

Fala sobre um lugar que queres visitar; no entanto, explica por que ainda não foste lá.

Reflete sobre o teu dia de hoje; no entanto, pensa no que poderias ter feito de forma diferente.

Escreve sobre um livro ou filme que todos gostam; no entanto, explica por que tu não gostaste tanto.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common to start a new sentence with 'No entanto' to contrast it with the entire previous sentence. Just remember to put a comma after it. For example: 'O dia estava lindo. No entanto, eu tive de ficar em casa.'

Yes, significantly. While 'mas' is used in every casual conversation, 'no entanto' is the standard for professional writing, news, and formal speech. Using it makes your Portuguese sound more educated.

No. Unlike 'embora' (although), 'no entanto' is a coordinating conjunction and does not require the subjunctive mood. You use the indicative mood as you normally would.

In Portugal, they are often synonyms for 'however'. In Brazil, 'entretanto' is also 'however', but it is frequently used to mean 'meanwhile'. 'No entanto' is safer for 'however' in all regions.

The most common pattern is: [Statement 1]; no entanto, [Statement 2]. You need a strong break (semicolon or period) before it and a comma immediately after it.

No, this is considered a grammatical error called a pleonasm. It is redundant because both words serve the same purpose. Choose one or the other.

Yes, it is widely used in Brazil, especially in formal writing, journalism, and by educated speakers. It is not exclusively European Portuguese.

It is a nasal vowel. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. Instead, let the sound vibrate in your nose, like the 'on' in the French word 'bon'.

No, it cannot be used at the very end of a sentence like 'though' can in English (e.g., 'It was raining, though'). In Portuguese, it must precede the idea it introduces.

The most common neutral synonym is 'porém'. The most common informal synonym is 'mas'.