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B1 adverb #2,000 most common 15 min read

todavia

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips todavia in 30 Seconds

Explanation todavia in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Portuguese language. The primary focus is on basic survival vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and everyday communication. In this context, the word 'todavia' is highly unlikely to be encountered or used. Beginners are taught the word 'mas' to express the concept of 'but'. 'Mas' is simple, direct, and universally understood, making it the perfect tool for basic contrasts, such as 'Eu gosto de maçã, mas não gosto de banana' (I like apples, but I don't like bananas). Introducing 'todavia' at this stage would be unnecessary and potentially confusing, as it involves complex punctuation rules and a formal register that A1 learners are not yet equipped to handle. Furthermore, Spanish speakers at the A1 level might mistakenly assume 'todavia' means 'still' due to the false friend 'todavía' in Spanish. Therefore, teachers usually avoid 'todavia' entirely, focusing instead on ensuring the student can confidently use 'mas'. If an A1 learner happens to see 'todavia' in a text, the goal is simply passive recognition: understanding that it is a fancy way of saying 'mas'. There is no expectation for the student to produce the word in speaking or writing. The pedagogical priority is building a solid foundation of essential vocabulary, and 'todavia' belongs to a much higher tier of linguistic complexity. It is a word waiting in the wings for when the learner is ready to tackle more sophisticated texts.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their reading comprehension begins to expand beyond simple, isolated sentences to short, structured texts like emails, basic news articles, and simple stories. While 'mas' remains the dominant adversative conjunction in their active vocabulary, they might start encountering 'todavia' in their reading materials. At this stage, the focus shifts from pure avoidance to passive recognition. An A2 learner should be able to read a sentence like 'O hotel era caro; todavia, era muito confortável' and understand that 'todavia' is functioning exactly like 'mas', introducing a contrasting idea. They do not need to use it in their own writing or speaking, as 'mas' or 'porém' are perfectly adequate for their communicative needs. However, recognizing 'todavia' is a crucial stepping stone for developing reading fluency. It helps them navigate slightly more formal texts without getting stuck on unknown vocabulary. For Spanish speakers, the A2 level is the critical moment to explicitly address the false friend issue. Teachers must ensure that students understand that 'todavia' in Portuguese never means 'still' (ainda). This distinction is vital for accurate comprehension. In summary, at the A2 level, 'todavia' transitions from being an unknown entity to a recognized, albeit passively used, piece of vocabulary. It represents a glimpse into the more formal, structured aspects of the Portuguese language that they will explore in greater depth at the intermediate levels.

The B1 level marks a significant turning point in language acquisition, where learners transition from basic communication to expressing more complex thoughts and opinions. It is at this stage that 'todavia' becomes an active part of the learner's vocabulary, particularly in writing. B1 students are expected to write coherent essays, formal emails, and structured arguments. Relying solely on 'mas' can make their writing seem repetitive and simplistic. Therefore, introducing 'todavia' (along with 'porém' and 'no entanto') is essential for elevating their written expression. Learners are taught that 'todavia' means 'however' or 'nevertheless' and that it belongs to a formal register. They learn the crucial punctuation rules: that it must be preceded by a semicolon or period when starting a clause, and enclosed in commas when embedded within a clause. Practicing the syntactic mobility of 'todavia'—moving it from the beginning to the middle of a sentence—is a key exercise at this level. It helps students develop a sense of rhythm and stylistic variation in their writing. While they are encouraged to use it in essays, they are also cautioned against overusing it in casual conversation, where it can sound unnatural. For B1 learners, mastering 'todavia' is a tangible sign of progress, demonstrating their ability to navigate the nuances of formal Portuguese and construct more sophisticated, nuanced arguments. It is a word that bridges the gap between intermediate and advanced proficiency.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to have a strong command of the language, capable of understanding complex texts and expressing themselves fluently and spontaneously. 'Todavia' is no longer just a new vocabulary word; it is an essential tool for precise and elegant communication. B2 students use 'todavia' confidently in a variety of formal contexts, such as academic papers, professional reports, and debates. They understand the subtle stylistic differences between 'todavia', 'contudo', 'porém', and 'no entanto', and can choose the most appropriate word based on the desired rhythm and tone of their sentence. They are adept at using 'todavia' to introduce counterarguments, concede points, or highlight unexpected outcomes in complex narratives. The punctuation rules surrounding 'todavia' are now second nature, and they rarely make mistakes with commas or semicolons. Furthermore, B2 learners can easily identify and comprehend 'todavia' in authentic, high-level materials, such as newspaper editorials, literature, and formal broadcasts. They appreciate how native speakers use the word to add gravitas and rhetorical weight to their statements. At this level, the focus is on refining usage, ensuring that 'todavia' is integrated naturally and effectively into their advanced discourse. It is a marker of a sophisticated speaker who can manipulate the language to achieve specific communicative goals, moving beyond mere grammatical correctness to stylistic excellence.

The C1 level represents an advanced, near-native proficiency where learners possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the language's nuances, idioms, and stylistic variations. For a C1 speaker, 'todavia' is a fully integrated component of their linguistic repertoire, used with precision and effortless grace. They employ it not just to express contrast, but to control the pacing, rhythm, and rhetorical impact of their discourse. In academic and professional writing, C1 learners use 'todavia' to construct highly complex, multi-layered arguments, seamlessly weaving counterpoints and caveats into their analysis. They understand that the placement of 'todavia' within a sentence can subtly shift the emphasis, and they use this syntactic mobility to their advantage. For instance, placing 'todavia' later in the clause can create a more dramatic or thoughtful pause. In formal speech, such as presentations or high-level negotiations, they use 'todavia' to project authority and intellectual rigor. They are also acutely aware of register, knowing exactly when 'todavia' is appropriate and when a simpler 'mas' or 'porém' would be more effective. At the C1 level, learners can also appreciate the historical and literary resonance of the word, recognizing its use in classic Portuguese literature to create elegant, balanced prose. Their mastery of 'todavia' reflects a comprehensive command of Portuguese syntax, pragmatics, and stylistics, allowing them to communicate with the sophistication and nuance of an educated native speaker.

At the C2 level, the highest level of language proficiency, the learner's command of Portuguese is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. Their use of 'todavia' is characterized by absolute mastery, subtlety, and stylistic brilliance. They do not merely use the word correctly; they exploit its full rhetorical potential to craft prose and speech that is not only accurate but also aesthetically pleasing and intellectually persuasive. C2 speakers can navigate the most complex, dense texts—legal documents, philosophical treatises, classic literature—and instantly grasp the precise logical relationship established by 'todavia'. In their own writing, they use it to create intricate syntactic structures, balancing opposing ideas with perfect rhythm and flow. They might use it to introduce a subtle irony, a profound paradox, or a devastating counterargument. Their choice between 'todavia', 'contudo', and other adversative conjunctions is driven by an acute sensitivity to phonetic harmony and subtle shades of meaning that might escape less advanced speakers. Furthermore, C2 learners understand the sociolinguistic implications of 'todavia', using it deliberately to establish a specific tone or persona in their communication. They are masters of the language's formal register, and 'todavia' is one of the many finely tuned instruments in their rhetorical orchestra. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'todavia' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a testament to their profound engagement with the richness, complexity, and beauty of the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

todavia in 30 Seconds

Means 'however' or 'nevertheless'.
Used in formal writing and speech.
Needs commas when in the middle of a sentence.
False friend: does NOT mean 'still' (like in Spanish).

The Portuguese word 'todavia' is a fascinating and highly useful adversative conjunction that serves to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously. In English, it is most accurately translated as 'nevertheless', 'however', or 'yet'. Understanding the depth and nuance of 'todavia' requires a journey into the mechanics of Portuguese syntax, the subtleties of rhetorical contrast, and the historical evolution of the language. When a speaker or writer employs 'todavia', they are signaling to the audience that despite the preceding information, a new, potentially unexpected, or mitigating fact is about to be presented. This creates a pivot point in the discourse, a moment of intellectual tension where two opposing ideas are held in balance.

Estava chovendo muito; todavia, decidimos sair para caminhar.

The beauty of 'todavia' lies in its slightly elevated register; while 'mas' (but) is the most common and ubiquitous adversative conjunction in everyday speech, 'todavia' carries a weight of formality, deliberation, and literary grace. It is the word of choice for authors, journalists, academics, and public speakers who wish to articulate complex arguments with precision and elegance. To fully grasp its meaning, one must consider its position within the broader family of Portuguese adversative conjunctions.

Semantic Role: It functions exclusively to introduce an opposing or limiting idea, creating a logical contrast between two clauses.

Each of these words shares the core function of expressing contrast, yet they differ slightly in their rhythmic qualities and syntactic flexibility. 'Todavia', for instance, is often perceived as synonymous with 'porém' and 'contudo', but it possesses a distinct phonetic cadence that can influence the flow of a sentence. Furthermore, the meaning of 'todavia' is inextricably linked to its punctuation. It is almost always preceded by a comma, a semicolon, or a period, and when it appears in the middle of a clause, it is typically enclosed in commas.

O projeto era arriscado. A equipe, todavia, aceitou o desafio.

This punctuation not only clarifies the syntactic structure of the sentence but also dictates the rhythm of reading or speaking, forcing a slight pause that emphasizes the contrasting nature of the upcoming statement. Let us explore the semantic boundaries of 'todavia' through various lenses. From a pragmatic perspective, it functions as a discourse marker that guides the listener's interpretation of the speaker's intent. It tells the listener: 'Acknowledge what I just said, but prepare to adjust your conclusions based on what I am about to say.' This makes it an invaluable tool for debate, negotiation, and analytical writing. From a sociolinguistic standpoint, the use of 'todavia' can signal a certain level of education or a desire to project authority and sophistication. It is less likely to be heard in a casual chat at a bakery and more likely to be encountered in a broadsheet newspaper editorial or a university lecture.

Register: Formal, academic, and literary. It is rarely used in colloquial, everyday spoken Portuguese.

Moreover, the meaning of 'todavia' can be illuminated by examining its translation equivalents in other languages. While 'nevertheless' and 'however' capture its essence in English, comparing it to the Spanish 'todavía' reveals a critical divergence. In Spanish, 'todavía' means 'still' or 'yet' (in a temporal sense), whereas in Portuguese, 'todavia' has entirely lost this temporal meaning, functioning exclusively as an adversative conjunction.

Ele estudou muito; não conseguiu, todavia, passar no exame.

This semantic shift is a classic example of a false friend, a trap for learners transitioning between the two Iberian languages. Therefore, mastering 'todavia' means not only understanding what it means but also unlearning any preconceived notions derived from Spanish.

False Friend Warning: Do not use 'todavia' to mean 'still'. For 'still', use 'ainda'.

In conclusion, 'todavia' is much more than a simple translation of 'however'; it is a sophisticated linguistic instrument that enriches the Portuguese language, allowing for the expression of nuanced contrast, rhetorical elegance, and precise argumentation.

O filme recebeu críticas ruins. O público, todavia, adorou.

Its meaning is woven into its syntax, its register, and its historical divergence from its linguistic cousins, making it a truly captivating word for any serious student of Portuguese.

A viagem foi longa; todavia, valeu a pena.

Using 'todavia' correctly is a hallmark of an intermediate to advanced Portuguese speaker. It requires an understanding of syntax, punctuation, and stylistic placement. Unlike the simple conjunction 'mas', which is rigidly fixed at the beginning of the contrasting clause, 'todavia' offers syntactic flexibility. It can be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or even at the end of the clause it modifies, though the latter is less common and highly literary.

O custo de vida aumentou; os salários, todavia, permaneceram os mesmos.

This mobility allows writers to control the rhythm and emphasis of their sentences. When placed at the beginning of the second clause, it strongly emphasizes the contrast immediately. When placed after the subject or the verb of the second clause, it creates a more subtle, sophisticated pivot.

Syntactic Mobility: 'Todavia' can appear at the start of a clause or be embedded within it, providing rhythmic variety.

Punctuation is absolutely critical when using 'todavia'. Because it is a strong adversative conjunction, it must be separated from the rest of the sentence by punctuation marks. If it introduces a new independent clause, it is typically preceded by a semicolon or a period, and followed by a comma.

Eles prometeram ajudar. Todavia, não apareceram.

If it is embedded within the clause, it must be enclosed in commas. Failing to use these commas is a common grammatical error that disrupts the flow of the text. Beyond mechanics, the decision to use 'todavia' is a stylistic one. It belongs to the formal register of the Portuguese language. You will rarely hear someone say 'todavia' when complaining about the weather to a friend or ordering a coffee. Instead, it is reserved for situations where a higher level of discourse is expected: academic papers, professional emails, journalistic articles, political speeches, and literature.

Punctuation Rules: Precede with a semicolon/period if starting a clause; enclose in commas if embedded.

Using 'todavia' in casual conversation can sound overly pedantic or archaic, much like using 'nevertheless' in a text message to a buddy. Therefore, understanding the context is just as important as understanding the grammar.

A teoria é fascinante; a prática, todavia, apresenta desafios.

When writing an argumentative essay, 'todavia' is an excellent tool for introducing counterarguments or acknowledging limitations before reinforcing your main point. It shows the reader that you have considered multiple perspectives, which strengthens your overall argument. For learners, practicing the placement of 'todavia' can significantly improve writing skills. Try taking a simple sentence with 'mas' and rewriting it with 'todavia' in different positions. For example, 'Ele é rico, mas não é feliz' can become 'Ele é rico; todavia, não é feliz' or 'Ele é rico; não é, todavia, feliz'.

Stylistic Variation: Use it to avoid repeating 'mas' or 'porém' in long texts.

This exercise not only reinforces the grammatical rules but also develops a feel for the rhythm of formal Portuguese.

Muitos tentaram resolver o enigma. Nenhum, todavia, obteve sucesso.

Ultimately, mastering 'todavia' empowers you to express complex, contrasting ideas with clarity, elegance, and grammatical precision, elevating your Portuguese from conversational to professional and academic levels.

O sol brilhava intensamente; o vento, todavia, era gélido.

The natural habitat of 'todavia' is the written word, specifically within the realms of formal, academic, journalistic, and literary Portuguese. It is a word that thrives in environments where precision, nuance, and rhetorical elegance are valued. You are highly unlikely to hear 'todavia' in a bustling Brazilian street market, a casual conversation at a boteco, or a fast-paced WhatsApp voice note. In those contexts, speakers overwhelmingly prefer the simpler, more direct 'mas' (but).

O réu negou as acusações; as provas, todavia, indicavam o contrário.

However, if you tune into a formal news broadcast, such as the Jornal Nacional in Brazil or RTP in Portugal, you will frequently encounter 'todavia' in the meticulously scripted reports of journalists and correspondents. It is used to pivot between contrasting facts, such as reporting on economic growth while simultaneously acknowledging rising inflation.

Journalism: Frequently used in editorials and hard news to present balanced, contrasting viewpoints.

In the academic sphere, 'todavia' is ubiquitous. University professors, researchers, and students rely on it to structure complex arguments in essays, dissertations, and peer-reviewed articles. It serves as a critical signpost, indicating that the author is considering counter-evidence or introducing a caveat to a previously stated theory.

A pesquisa apresentou dados promissores. É necessário, todavia, realizar mais testes.

Literature is another domain where 'todavia' shines. Classic Portuguese and Brazilian authors, from Machado de Assis to Eça de Queirós, employed 'todavia' to craft elegant, rhythmic prose. It allows writers to build tension and complexity within their narratives, reflecting the often contradictory nature of human experience. Even in contemporary literature, it remains a vital tool for authors seeking a sophisticated tone. Furthermore, 'todavia' is a staple of legal and official documents. Lawyers, judges, and lawmakers use it to articulate exceptions, conditions, and contrasting legal precedents. Its formal weight lends authority and clarity to legal texts, where ambiguity must be avoided at all costs.

Legal Texts: Used to establish exceptions or contrasting clauses in contracts and rulings.

You will also hear 'todavia' in formal public speaking, such as political debates, parliamentary speeches, and corporate presentations. In these settings, speakers use it to project competence, education, and a measured, analytical approach to the topic at hand.

O governo prometeu reformas; a oposição, todavia, bloqueou o projeto.

While it may seem intimidating to learners due to its formal associations, recognizing 'todavia' is essential for anyone who wishes to consume Portuguese media, read literature, or engage in professional environments. It is a marker of advanced comprehension. By paying attention to where and how 'todavia' is used, learners can gain valuable insights into the stylistic registers of the Portuguese language and learn to adapt their own communication style to different contexts.

Public Speaking: Adds a layer of gravitas and thoughtful consideration to speeches and debates.

A empresa teve lucros recordes. Decidiu, todavia, não pagar bônus.

Ultimately, 'todavia' is a bridge to the more sophisticated, intellectual, and formal aspects of Lusophone culture, and encountering it is a sign that you are engaging with high-level discourse.

A vacina é eficaz; todavia, algumas pessoas recusam-se a tomá-la.

When learning to use 'todavia', students frequently encounter a specific set of pitfalls that can disrupt the clarity and correctness of their Portuguese. The most notorious and widespread mistake, particularly for native Spanish speakers or those who have studied Spanish, is the 'false friend' trap. In Spanish, the word 'todavía' translates to 'still' or 'yet' in English, indicating a continuation of time or an action that hasn't happened yet.

O acordo parecia impossível. Eles, todavia, continuaram negociando.

In Portuguese, however, 'todavia' has absolutely no temporal meaning. It is strictly an adversative conjunction meaning 'however' or 'nevertheless'. Using 'todavia' to mean 'still' in Portuguese (e.g., saying 'Ele todavia está aqui' instead of the correct 'Ele ainda está aqui') is a glaring error that immediately causes confusion.

The Spanish Trap: Never use 'todavia' to mean 'still' or 'yet'. The Portuguese word for that is 'ainda'.

This is the single most important correction learners must make. Another major area of difficulty involves punctuation. Because 'todavia' is a strong, formal conjunction, it demands specific punctuation to function correctly within a sentence. Learners often forget to isolate it with commas when it appears in the middle of a clause.

A situação era crítica; o médico, todavia, manteve a calma.

Writing 'O médico todavia manteve a calma' without commas is grammatically incorrect in formal Portuguese; it must be 'O médico, todavia, manteve a calma'. Similarly, when starting a new independent clause, it should be preceded by a semicolon or a period, and followed by a comma: '; todavia, ...' or '. Todavia, ...'. A third common mistake is a matter of register and stylistic appropriateness. Learners, eager to use their newly acquired advanced vocabulary, sometimes force 'todavia' into casual, everyday conversations. Saying 'Eu queria ir à praia, todavia está chovendo' to a friend sounds unnaturally stiff and slightly comical, like wearing a tuxedo to a fast-food restaurant. In such contexts, 'mas' is the only natural choice.

Overuse in Speech: Avoid using 'todavia' in informal spoken Portuguese. Stick to 'mas'.

'Todavia' should be reserved for writing or highly formal speech. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse the syntactic placement of 'todavia' with that of 'mas'. While 'mas' must always be the very first word of the contrasting clause, 'todavia' can be moved around.

O livro é longo. A leitura, todavia, é muito fluida.

Failing to take advantage of this mobility results in repetitive, monotonous sentence structures. Finally, some learners mistakenly combine 'todavia' with other adversative conjunctions, creating redundant phrases like 'mas todavia' or 'porém todavia'. This is a grammatical error known as pleonasm; you must choose one conjunction or the other, never both. By being mindful of the Spanish false friend, adhering strictly to punctuation rules, respecting the formal register, utilizing its syntactic flexibility, and avoiding redundancy, learners can master the use of 'todavia' and significantly elevate the quality of their Portuguese.

Redundancy: Do not combine 'todavia' with 'mas' or 'porém' in the same clause.

O time jogou mal; conseguiu, todavia, vencer a partida.

O caminho era escuro. Ele não sentiu, todavia, nenhum medo.

The Portuguese language is rich in adversative conjunctions, providing writers and speakers with a nuanced palette of words to express contrast and contradiction. 'Todavia' exists within a tight-knit family of synonyms, the most prominent being 'mas', 'porém', 'contudo', 'no entanto', and 'entretanto'. While they all fundamentally translate to 'but', 'however', or 'nevertheless', they are not always perfectly interchangeable. Understanding the subtle distinctions between them is key to achieving fluency and stylistic mastery.

Ele estava cansado; todavia, continuou trabalhando.

'Mas' is the undisputed king of everyday Portuguese. It is the simplest, most direct, and most frequently used word for 'but'. It is universally applicable across all registers, from the most informal street slang to the highest academic writing. However, 'mas' is syntactically rigid; it must always appear at the very beginning of the contrasting clause.

Mas vs. Todavia: 'Mas' is informal and fixed at the start of a clause. 'Todavia' is formal and mobile.

'Porém' is perhaps the closest sibling to 'todavia'. It shares the same meaning ('however') and the same syntactic mobility, meaning it can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause. 'Porém' is slightly less formal than 'todavia' and is more commonly heard in spoken Portuguese, though it still elevates the register above a simple 'mas'.

A proposta é boa; apresenta, todavia, algumas falhas.

'Contudo' is another highly formal synonym, practically identical in usage and register to 'todavia'. The choice between 'contudo' and 'todavia' is often a matter of personal stylistic preference or phonetic flow within a specific sentence. Both carry a strong sense of 'nevertheless' or 'despite that'. 'No entanto' (literally 'in the meantime', but used as 'however') is a very common and versatile compound conjunction. It bridges the gap between the formality of 'todavia' and the everyday utility of 'mas'. It is widely used in both speech and writing, making it a safe and elegant choice for almost any situation. Like 'todavia', it can be moved within the clause.

No Entanto: A highly versatile phrase meaning 'however', suitable for both spoken and written Portuguese.

'Entretanto' is similar to 'no entanto' but carries a slight temporal nuance, sometimes implying 'meanwhile' in addition to 'however', though in modern usage, it is mostly used purely for contrast.

O inverno foi rigoroso; a colheita, todavia, foi abundante.

When deciding which word to use, consider the context and the rhythm of your sentence. If you are writing a formal academic paper, 'todavia' and 'contudo' are excellent choices that demonstrate a sophisticated command of the language. If you are having a conversation, stick to 'mas' or 'porém'. By mastering this family of adversative conjunctions, you can avoid repetitive writing and express your ideas with greater precision and stylistic flair.

Contudo: The closest twin to 'todavia' in terms of extreme formality and meaning.

A lei foi aprovada. Sua aplicação, todavia, demorou anos.

Eles tinham pouco dinheiro; viajaram, todavia, por toda a Europa.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Conjunções Coordenativas Adversativas

Uso da Vírgula

Uso do Ponto e Vírgula

Colocação Pronominal (todavia does not attract pronouns like subordinating conjunctions do)

Falsos Cognatos (Espanhol/Português)

Examples by Level

Eu gosto de ler, mas não tenho tempo.

I like to read, but I don't have time. (Note: 'mas' is used instead of 'todavia' at A1)

At A1, use 'mas' for 'but'.

Ela é inteligente, mas não estuda.

She is smart, but she doesn't study.

Simple contrast uses 'mas'.

O carro é bonito, mas é caro.

The car is beautiful, but it is expensive.

'Mas' connects two simple ideas.

Eu quero ir, mas chove.

I want to go, but it's raining.

Basic adversative conjunction.

Ele come muito, mas é magro.

He eats a lot, but he is thin.

Contrast in physical traits.

O café é bom, mas está frio.

The coffee is good, but it is cold.

Describing a negative aspect.

Eu falo inglês, mas não falo português.

I speak English, but I don't speak Portuguese.

Expressing limitation.

O filme é longo, mas é bom.

The movie is long, but it is good.

Positive contrast.

O teste foi difícil; todavia, eu passei.

The test was hard; however, I passed.

Passive recognition of 'todavia' as 'however'.

Choveu muito; todavia, fomos à praia.

It rained a lot; nevertheless, we went to the beach.

Notice the semicolon before and comma after.

Ele estava doente; todavia, foi trabalhar.

He was sick; however, he went to work.

Expressing an unexpected action.

O restaurante é caro; todavia, a comida é excelente.

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

Balancing a negative with a positive.

Eu não gosto de peixe; todavia, comi tudo.

I don't like fish; nevertheless, I ate everything.

Overcoming a preference.

Eles chegaram tarde; todavia, viram o show.

They arrived late; however, they saw the show.

A mitigating circumstance.

O livro é antigo; todavia, é muito interessante.

The book is old; however, it is very interesting.

Contrasting age with value.

Ela não estudou; todavia, tirou boa nota.

She didn't study; nevertheless, she got a good grade.

Unexpected result.

A empresa teve prejuízo este ano; todavia, não demitirá funcionários.

The company had a loss this year; however, it will not fire employees.

Used in formal business contexts.

O projeto apresenta riscos. A equipe, todavia, decidiu avançar.

The project presents risks. The team, however, decided to move forward.

Notice 'todavia' placed after the subject, enclosed in commas.

Muitos criticaram a nova lei; todavia, ela foi aprovada pelo congresso.

Many criticized the new law; nevertheless, it was approved by congress.

Common in journalistic and political texts.

Ele é um excelente profissional; tem, todavia, dificuldades em trabalhar em equipe.

He is an excellent professional; he has, however, difficulties working in a team.

Placed after the verb for stylistic variation.

A viagem foi extremamente cansativa; todavia, as paisagens compensaram o esforço.

The trip was extremely tiring; nevertheless, the landscapes made up for the effort.

Elevates the register of a descriptive narrative.

A tecnologia facilita a comunicação; todavia, pode causar isolamento social.

Technology facilitates communication; however, it can cause social isolation.

Useful for writing essays on pros and cons.

O tratamento é longo e doloroso. Os resultados, todavia, são garantidos.

The treatment is long and painful. The results, however, are guaranteed.

Creating a strong contrast between sentences.

Eles prometeram entregar o relatório hoje; todavia, pediram mais prazo.

They promised to deliver the report today; however, they asked for more time.

Formal communication in a professional setting.

Embora a teoria seja amplamente aceita, existem, todavia, evidências que a contradizem.

Although the theory is widely accepted, there is, however, evidence that contradicts it.

Combining 'embora' (although) with 'todavia' for complex argumentation.

O autor constrói uma narrativa envolvente; falha, todavia, no desenvolvimento do clímax.

The author builds an engaging narrative; fails, however, in the development of the climax.

Used in literary criticism and reviews.

A economia global mostra sinais de recuperação; a inflação, todavia, permanece uma ameaça constante.

The global economy shows signs of recovery; inflation, however, remains a constant threat.

Typical structure in economic and journalistic analysis.

O réu apresentou um álibi convincente. A promotoria, todavia, encontrou inconsistências em seu depoimento.

The defendant presented a convincing alibi. The prosecution, however, found inconsistencies in his testimony.

Standard usage in legal and formal reporting.

A proposta governamental visa reduzir impostos; os críticos argumentam, todavia, que isso aumentará a dívida pública.

The government proposal aims to reduce taxes; critics argue, however, that this will increase public debt.

Embedding 'todavia' within a complex subordinate clause.

A preservação ambiental é urgente; esbarra, todavia, em fortes interesses econômicos.

Environmental preservation is urgent; it runs, however, into strong economic interests.

Using 'todavia' to highlight a systemic conflict.

O software é altamente eficiente; sua interface de usuário, todavia, é pouco intuitiva.

The software is highly efficient; its user interface, however, is not very intuitive.

Balancing technical praise with practical criticism.

As negociações de paz avançaram significativamente; restam, todavia, questões territoriais a serem resolvidas.

Peace negotiations have advanced significantly; there remain, however, territorial issues to be resolved.

Formal diplomatic language.

A obra de Machado de Assis é profundamente irônica; revela, todavia, uma profunda empatia pela condição humana.

Machado de Assis's work is deeply ironic; it reveals, nevertheless, a profound empathy for the human condition.

Nuanced literary analysis balancing opposing thematic elements.

O paradigma científico vigente parecia inabalável. As novas descobertas quânticas, todavia, forçaram uma reavaliação completa.

The prevailing scientific paradigm seemed unshakeable. The new quantum discoveries, however, forced a complete reevaluation.

Expressing a paradigm shift in academic writing.

A retórica do candidato era inflamada e populista; suas propostas concretas, todavia, revelavam um conservadorismo pragmático.

The candidate's rhetoric was inflamed and populist; his concrete proposals, however, revealed a pragmatic conservatism.

Sophisticated political commentary contrasting style and substance.

A legislação visa proteger os consumidores; na prática, todavia, cria uma burocracia que sufoca as pequenas empresas.

The legislation aims to protect consumers; in practice, however, it creates a bureaucracy that suffocates small businesses.

Contrasting intent with practical outcome in a formal register.

O silêncio na sala era ensurdecedor; comunicava, todavia, mais do que qualquer palavra poderia expressar.

The silence in the room was deafening; it communicated, nevertheless, more than any word could express.

Using 'todavia' to emphasize a paradox.

A transição energética é um imperativo global. Os custos iniciais, todavia, representam um obstáculo formidável para os países em desenvolvimento.

The energy transition is a global imperative. The initial costs, however, represent a formidable obstacle for developing countries.

Articulating complex geopolitical challenges.

A arquitetura brutalista é frequentemente criticada por sua frieza; possui, todavia, uma honestidade estrutural inegável.

Brutalist architecture is frequently criticized for its coldness; it possesses, however, an undeniable structural honesty.

Aesthetic critique using formal adversative structures.

O acordo foi assinado com grande pompa; os detalhes da implementação, todavia, permaneceram obscuros.

The agreement was signed with great pomp; the details of the implementation, however, remained obscure.

Journalistic analysis of a formal event.

A ontologia heideggeriana propõe uma ruptura com a metafísica tradicional; recai, todavia, em aporias semelhantes ao tentar definir o 'Ser'.

Heideggerian ontology proposes a break with traditional metaphysics; it falls back, nevertheless, into similar aporias when attempting to define 'Being'.

Highly specialized philosophical discourse.

A jurisprudência da corte suprema tem sido historicamente conservadora; nota-se, todavia, uma incipiente guinada progressista nas recentes decisões sobre direitos civis.

The supreme court's jurisprudence has historically been conservative; one notes, however, an incipient progressive shift in recent decisions on civil rights.

Complex legal analysis with sophisticated vocabulary.

O poema constrói uma intrincada teia de aliterações e assonâncias; o sentido subjacente, todavia, esvai-se na própria musicalidade dos versos.

The poem builds an intricate web of alliterations and assonances; the underlying meaning, however, slips away in the very musicality of the verses.

Advanced literary criticism focusing on form versus content.

A política monetária expansionista evitou o colapso imediato; plantou, todavia, as sementes de uma crise inflacionária estrutural a longo prazo.

The expansionary monetary policy avoided immediate collapse; it planted, nevertheless, the seeds of a structural inflationary crisis in the long term.

Macroeconomic analysis using metaphorical language.

A historiografia oficial tende a glorificar o evento; as fontes primárias marginais, todavia, pintam um quadro de coerção e resistência silenciosa.

Official historiography tends to glorify the event; marginal primary sources, however, paint a picture of coercion and silent resistance.

Academic historical critique contrasting different types of sources.

O virtuosismo técnico do pianista é inquestionável; falta-lhe, todavia, a profundidade emocional necessária para interpretar Chopin com verdadeira maestria.

The pianist's technical virtuosity is unquestionable; he lacks, however, the emotional depth necessary to interpret Chopin with true mastery.

Nuanced artistic critique.

A tese central do livro é provocativa e original. A argumentação que a sustenta, todavia, peca por excessiva dependência de evidências anedóticas.

The book's central thesis is provocative and original. The argumentation that supports it, however, suffers from an excessive reliance on anecdotal evidence.

Rigorous academic peer review language.

A diplomacia coercitiva obteve concessões táticas; alienou, todavia, aliados estratégicos fundamentais para a estabilidade regional.

Coercive diplomacy obtained tactical concessions; it alienated, however, strategic allies fundamental for regional stability.

High-level geopolitical analysis.

Common Collocations

é, todavia,

tem, todavia,

existe, todavia,

nota-se, todavia,

resta, todavia,

parece, todavia,

falta, todavia,

sabe-se, todavia,

decidiu, todavia,

afirma, todavia,

Common Phrases

Apresenta, todavia, problemas.

É necessário, todavia, cautela.

O fato é, todavia, que...

Devemos, todavia, considerar...

Não podemos, todavia, ignorar...

Vale ressaltar, todavia, que...

Importa, todavia, salientar...

Cabe, todavia, lembrar...

Ressalta-se, todavia, a importância...

Observa-se, todavia, uma mudança...

Often Confused With

todavia vs ainda (because of Spanish 'todavía')

todavia vs mas (syntactically different)

todavia vs embora (embora is concessive and requires subjunctive; todavia is adversative and uses indicative)

Idioms & Expressions

"N/A (Todavia is a formal conjunction, not typically used in idioms.)"

"N/A"

Easily Confused

todavia vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Carries a sense of deliberation and academic rigor.

formality

High

frequency

Medium (High in writing, Low in speech)

Common Mistakes

Using 'todavia' to mean 'still' (confusing it with Spanish 'todavía' / Portuguese 'ainda').
Forgetting to use commas around 'todavia' when it is in the middle of a clause.
Using 'todavia' in very informal, everyday speech where 'mas' is expected.
Combining it with 'mas' (e.g., 'mas todavia').
Failing to capitalize it when it starts a new sentence after a period.

Tips

The Comma Rule

Always isolate 'todavia' with commas if it's in the middle of a sentence. Example: 'A equipe, todavia, venceu.' Forgetting these commas is a very common writing mistake.

The Spanish Trap

If you speak Spanish, erase the meaning of 'todavía' from your mind when speaking Portuguese. 'Todavia' never means 'still'. Use 'ainda' for 'still'.

Vary Your Vocabulary

In a long essay, don't just use 'mas' over and over. Mix it up! Use 'mas' once, then 'porém', then 'todavia'. This makes your writing look advanced.

Keep It Formal

Don't use 'todavia' when ordering a coffee or chatting with friends. It sounds too serious. Save it for debates, presentations, or writing.

Syntactic Mobility

Impress your teacher by moving 'todavia' away from the start of the sentence. 'Ele não foi, todavia, punido' sounds much more elegant than 'Todavia, ele não foi punido'.

Identify the Contrast

When you see 'todavia' in a text, immediately know that the author is about to contradict or limit whatever they just said in the previous sentence.

Avoid Redundancy

Never write 'mas todavia' or 'porém todavia'. Pick one adversative conjunction per clause. Combining them is a classic error.

Stress the 'VI'

Make sure you put the stress on the correct syllable: to-da-VI-a. Don't stress the 'da' or the final 'a'.

ENEM Secret Weapon

For Brazilian students, 'todavia' is a fantastic cohesive operator (operador argumentativo) to start the third paragraph of your essay when introducing a counter-argument.

English Equivalents

Translate 'todavia' as 'however' or 'nevertheless' in your head, not just 'but'. This helps you remember its formal weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To David, I Always say 'however'. (To-da-vi-a = however).

Word Origin

From Latin 'tota via' (all the way, completely).

Cultural Context

Highly valued in formal writing like the ENEM essay (Redação).

Common in formal journalism and literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que a tecnologia nos conecta mais? Há quem diga, todavia, que ela nos isola."

"O filme ganhou muitos prêmios. Você achou, todavia, que ele mereceu?"

"Estudar gramática é chato; todavia, é essencial. Concorda?"

"Muitos querem morar fora do país. Esquecem, todavia, das dificuldades de adaptação."

"O clima está mudando rápido. Os governos, todavia, parecem lentos em agir. Qual sua opinião?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um objetivo que você não alcançou. Use 'todavia' para explicar o que você aprendeu com a experiência.

Descreva uma pessoa que você admira. Aponte, todavia, um defeito que ela possui.

Analise um problema na sua cidade. Apresente uma solução e, todavia, os desafios para implementá-la.

Escreva sobre um livro que você leu recentemente. O que você gostou e o que, todavia, poderia ser melhor?

Faça planos para o próximo ano. Quais são os possíveis obstáculos que, todavia, você precisará superar?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, absolutely not. This is a very common mistake for Spanish speakers. In Portuguese, 'todavia' means 'however' or 'nevertheless'. If you want to say 'still', you must use the word 'ainda'.

Yes, you can start a new sentence with 'Todavia,' followed by a comma. For example: 'Ele estudou muito. Todavia, não passou.' This is perfectly correct and very common in formal writing.

'Mas' is informal, very common, and must always be placed at the very beginning of the contrasting clause. 'Todavia' is formal, used mostly in writing, and can be moved around within the clause (e.g., placed after the subject or verb).

Yes, punctuation is mandatory. If it starts a clause, use a comma after it. If it is in the middle of a clause, it must be enclosed by two commas (e.g., 'O menino, todavia, não chorou').

Yes, it is used in both countries with the exact same meaning and level of formality. It is a standard word in the Portuguese language globally.

No, that is a grammatical error called pleonasm (redundancy). Both words mean the same thing, so using them together is like saying 'but however' in English. Choose one or the other.

It functions primarily as an adversative coordinating conjunction, linking two independent clauses. However, because of its syntactic mobility, some grammarians also classify it as an adverbial conjunction.

It is pronounced to-da-VI-a, with the stress on the 'VI' syllable. The 'o' is usually pronounced like a short 'u' in Brazil (tu-da-vi-a), and the 'd' and 't' are hard.

Yes! In fact, it is highly recommended. Using varied cohesive devices like 'todavia', 'contudo', and 'no entanto' correctly will increase your score in the cohesion competency of the ENEM grading rubric.

The closest synonyms in terms of meaning and formality are 'contudo' and 'no entanto'. 'Porém' is also a synonym but is slightly less formal.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a formal sentence using 'todavia' to contrast the high price of a product with its excellent quality.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.