por más
/poɾ mas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase 'however' meaning 'no matter how' is translated as por más. Wiktionary also lists aunque más and por muy.
Meaning: no matter how (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por más | /poɾ mas/ (from spelling rules) |
| aunque más | /ˌaunke ˈmas/ |
| por muy | /poɾ mui/ (from spelling rules) |
You can use por más que with a verb to mean 'no matter how much one does [something]'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using these phrases to mean 'no matter how', the phrase por más is almost always followed by the word que in the clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ mas/
Did you know?
- The word más shares a common Latin ancestor with the English word 'master', through the word 'magister'.
- In Spanish, expressing 'no matter how' often requires the use of the subjunctive mood in the following clause.
- The phrase por más que can be used to imply a sense of futility or a 'lost cause' that 'however' does not always convey in English.
Examples in context
- Por más que lo quieras, nunca pasará.However badly you want it, it will never happen.This sentence shows how to use por más to express that an outcome is independent of desire.Tatoeba #1684099 by marcelostockle, translation #1667924 by fanty
- Por más rápido que corras, no llegarás a tiempo.However fast you run, you won't be in time.This sentence demonstrates using por más to describe an action regardless of speed.Tatoeba #4695772 by emigonza, translation #36717 by Dejo
- Por más ocupado que estés, debes hacer tus tareas.However busy you may be, you must do your homework.This sentence illustrates using por más to express a requirement regardless of a state of being.Tatoeba #1325714 by marcelostockle, translation #36691 by Dejo
- No puedo asistir a la reunión, sin embargo, puedo enviar mi informe por correo electrónico.I cannot attend the meeting, however, I can send my report by email.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- JavierNo puedo terminar este rompecabezas.I can't finish this puzzle.
- LucíaPor más que intentes, es muy difícil.No matter how much you try, it is very difficult.
- JavierTengo que lograrlo hoy.I have to achieve it today.
- LucíaSolo descansa un poco, Javier.Just rest a bit, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “however” translations and entries aunque más, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aunque, muy, más, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
