Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| embora | /ẽˈbɔ.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /ĩˈbɔ.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) |
| conquanto | /kõˈkwɐ̃.tu/ (Brazil) /kõˈkwɐ̃.tu/ (Portugal) |
| apesar de | /a.peˈza(ʁ) d͡ʒi/ (Brazil) |
The term embora is used as a conjunction to express "in spite of the fact that". Other ways to express this idea include the formal term ainda que (even though), the highly formal or literary conquanto and the informal expression se bem que.
Which one should you use?
While embora is a conjunction used to introduce a clause, apesar de is a prepositional phrase that translates to "despite" and is typically followed by a noun or an infinitive. For even more formal contexts, you may use não obstante, which can mean "nevertheless" or "despite".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal writing, you can use ainda que (even though) or the very formal conquanto. In casual conversation, you might hear the informal se bem que. The phrase apesar de is also considered formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The conjunction embora is typically followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ẽˈbɔ.ɾɐ/.
Did you know?
- While embora means 'although' as a conjunction, it is most commonly used in daily life as an adverb meaning 'away' or 'off'.
- The word embora originally comes from the phrase en boa ora, which literally translates to 'in a good hour'.
- In the phrase apesar de, the word pesar refers to 'weight' or 'sorrow', suggesting the idea of 'despite the weight of'.
Examples in context
- Embora seja pobre, ele é feliz.Although he is poor, he is happy.This sentence shows how to use embora with a verb to show a contrast between being poor and being happy.Tatoeba #3979686 by alexmarcelo, translation #3970811 by coynejeremy
- Embora seja rico, ele não é feliz.Although he is rich, he is not happy.This sentence shows how to use embora to show a contrast between being rich and not being happy.Tatoeba #1877117 by alexmarcelo, translation #684930 by Eldad
- Embora choveu, todos se divertiram.Although it rained, everyone had a good time.This sentence shows how to use embora to describe a situation where it rained but people still had fun.Tatoeba #2096573 by MarlonX19, translation #26937 by CK
- Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou estudando.Although he was tired, he continued studying.
- Não obstante o mau tempo, o evento foi um sucesso.Although the weather was bad, the event was a success.
- Ainda que o trabalho seja difícil, vale a pena.Although the work is hard, it's worth it.
- Ainda que ele esteja ocupado, você pode tentar falar com ele.Although he's busy, you can try to talk to him.
- Embora eu estude, não consigo entender essa matéria.Although I study, I can't understand this subject.
- Embora o trânsito esteja intenso, chegaremos a tempo.Although the traffic is heavy, we will arrive on time.
- Mesmo que você não queira, precisamos ir ao supermercado.Although you don't want to, we need to go to the supermarket.
- Mesmo que esteja chovendo, não vamos cancelar o passeio.Although it's raining, we won't cancel the outing.
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are discussing their plans for a weekend trip.
- LucasEmbora esteja chovendo, você quer ir ao parque?Although it is raining, do you want to go to the park?
- MarianaSim, eu quero muito ir!Yes, I really want to go!
- LucasMas Mariana, você não disse que estava com frio?But Mariana, didn't you say you were cold?
- MarianaSim, mas eu vou levar um casaco.Yes, but I will take a coat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “although” translations and entries embora, conquanto, apesar de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apesar, apesar de, conquanto, de, embora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
