How to Say “Although” in Portuguese: A Comprehensive Guide

When learning a new language, it’s important to understand how to express contrasting ideas and connect different thoughts. In Portuguese, one of the most common words used to convey “although” is “embora.” However, depending on the formality and region, there are other alternatives that can be used in various contexts. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “although” in Portuguese, including formal and informal variations, and provide you with valuable tips and examples along the way.

The Formal Ways to Say “Although” in Portuguese

Formality is an important factor to consider when choosing the right word to use in formal settings. Here are some formal alternatives to express “although” in Portuguese:

1. Apesar de: This phrase, directly translating to “despite,” is commonly used as a formal way to express “although” in Portuguese. It is often followed by a conjugated verb. For example:
   

   Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou estudando. (Although he was tired, he continued studying.)

2. Não obstante: This expression is a more formal version of “although” and translates to “nevertheless” or “despite.” It is often used in writing or more formal speeches. For example:
   

   Não obstante o mau tempo, o evento foi um sucesso. (Although the weather was bad, the event was a success.)

3. Ainda que: This term is also used formally to express “although” and is similar to “even though.” Ainda que is typically used at the beginning of a sentence, like in the following example:
   

   Ainda que o trabalho seja difícil, vale a pena. (Although the work is hard, it’s worth it.)

The Informal Ways to Say “Although” in Portuguese

Informal language allows for a more relaxed and colloquial expression of “although.” Here are some informal alternatives:

1. Embora: This is the most commonly used word for “although” in Portuguese, and it works in both formal and informal contexts. Embora is often followed by the subjunctive verb tense. For example:
   

   Embora eu estude, não consigo entender essa matéria. (Although I study, I can’t understand this subject.)

2. Mesmo que: This phrase is an informal way to express “although” and translates to “even if.” It is often used in everyday conversations. For example:
   

   Mesmo que você não queira, precisamos ir ao supermercado. (Although you don’t want to, we need to go to the supermarket.)

3. Se bem que: This expression is similar to “although” and is widely used in informal conversations. It can be used interchangeably with embora. For example:
   

   Se bem que seja difícil, precisamos tentar. (Although it’s difficult, we need to try.)

Regional Variations

While the above-mentioned alternatives are widely used across most Portuguese-speaking regions, it’s important to note that there may be some regional variations. These variations can sometimes be influenced by cultural and dialectal differences. Here are a few examples:

• Apesar que: This variation is more commonly used in Brazil and may be considered less formal compared to the alternatives mentioned earlier. For example:
  

  Apesar que ele estudou bastante, não passou no exame. (Although he studied a lot, he didn’t pass the exam.)

• Todavia: Although not as common in everyday informal conversation, this word is used in European Portuguese to express “although.” It is considered more formal and translates to “however” or “yet.” For example:
  

  Todavia, o resultado não foi o esperado. (However, the result was not as expected.)

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use “although” effectively in Portuguese:

TIP 1: Remember that when using “embora” or “apesar de” in Portuguese, the verb that follows is often in the subjunctive mood.

TIP 2: Use “ainda que” or “embora” at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the contrast between ideas.

TIP 3: Try to practice using different alternatives to “although” in various contexts to improve your fluency and understanding of Portuguese.

To further illustrate how these words are used, here are a few additional examples:

1. Ainda que ele esteja ocupado, você pode tentar falar com ele. (Although he’s busy, you can try to talk to him.)
2. Embora o trânsito esteja intenso, chegaremos a tempo. (Although the traffic is heavy, we will arrive on time.)
3. Mesmo que esteja chovendo, não vamos cancelar o passeio. (Although it’s raining, we won’t cancel the outing.)
4. Apesar de ser tarde, a festa continua animada. (Although it’s late, the party is still lively.)
5. Apesar que ele prometeu, não cumpriu sua palavra. (Although he promised, he didn’t keep his word.)
6. Todavia, estamos dispostos a ouvir a sua opinião. (However, we are willing to hear your opinion.)

In conclusion, there are several ways to express “although” in Portuguese, depending on formality and regional variations. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to communicate contrasting ideas and connect thoughts effectively. Practice using these words in different contexts, and don’t hesitate to embrace informal language in appropriate situations. Enjoy your learning journey and delve into the richness of the Portuguese language!