aunque
/ˈaunke/
The Spanish phrase for "even if" is aunque.
Which one should you use?
Use the subjunctive after aunque for 'even if' (uncertainty) and the indicative for 'even though' (certainty).
How does it change in a sentence?
When aunque refers to a hypothetical or uncertain future event (even if), it is followed by the subjunctive mood. When it refers to a known, factual concession (although/even though), it is followed by the indicative mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaunke/
Did you know?
- Because it contains the element 'que', aunque is a distant linguistic cousin to the English 'what', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European roots for 'which' or 'what'.
- Depending on the region, aunque can be used in a sarcastic way to dismiss an argument, where the speaker acknowledges a fact only to immediately invalidate it.
- In some Spanish dialects, you might hear people use por más que instead of aunque to express the same idea of 'even if' or 'no matter how much'.
Examples in context
- Iré allí aunque llueva.I will go there even if it rains.Tatoeba #1353002 by marcelostockle, translation #40760 by CK
- Iré aunque llueva mañana.I'll go, even if it rains tomorrow.Tatoeba #1551433 by Shishir, translation #1550257 by Zaghawa
- Ven aunque llegues tarde.Come even if you'll be late.Tatoeba #3881490 by cueyayotl, translation #2900755 by AlanF_US
- Aunque llueva, iremos al concierto.Even if it rains, we will go to the concert.
- Aunque estén ocupados, necesitamos su ayuda.Even if they are busy, we need their help.
- Incluso si no tienes experiencia, te daremos una oportunidad.Even if you have no experience, we will give you a chance.
- Incluso si llego tarde, por favor, comiencen la reunión.Even if I arrive late, please start the meeting.
- Aunque sea tarde, seguimos quedándonos despiertos viendo películas.Even if it's late, we still stay up watching movies.
- Aunque sea difícil, tenemos que intentarlo.Even if it's hard, we have to try.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a plan to go for a walk.
- MaríaSaldremos a caminar aunque haga frío.We will go for a walk even if it's cold.
- MateoEstá bien, pero llevaré un abrigo.That's fine, but I'll bring a coat.
- MaríaYo también, aunque el sol salga.Me too, even if the sun comes out.
- MateoPerfecto, nos vemos en diez minutos.Perfect, I'll see you in ten minutes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aunque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aunque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
