Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no obstante | /ˌno obsˈtante/ |
| pues nada | /pwes nada/ (from spelling rules) |
The phrase no obstante is used as an adverb to mean "however." It can also function as a preposition meaning "notwithstanding" or "despite."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase no obstante is a compound of no (not) and obstante (withstanding or obstructing), which literally translates to "notwithstanding."
Which one should you use?
While no obstante is a formal option, sin embargo is the most common and neutral way to say "however" in both spoken and written Spanish. You may also use related forms like aunque or a pesar de to mean "although."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
No obstante is a formal way to say "however" and is frequently used in formal speeches or written Spanish. In Spain, it is a common way to express "though" in a formal context.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌno obsˈtante/
Did you know?
- The word nada in the phrase pues nada comes from the Latin nāta, which literally means 'no born thing'.
Examples in context
- Aunque está lloviendo, iremos al parque.Even though it's raining, we will go to the park
- No quería ir, sin embargo, fue obligado por sus padres.He didn't want to go, nevertheless, he was forced by his parents
- Está cansado, a pesar de haber dormido bien.He's tired, even though he slept well
- Trabajó mucho, no obstante, se encuentra descontento.He worked a lot, though he feels dissatisfied
- No tengo tiempo, total, no es tan importante.I don't have time, after all, it's not that important
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a movie they just watched.
- LucíaLa película fue muy larga.The movie was very long.
- MateoSí, no obstante, la historia me gustó.Yes, however, I liked the story.
- LucíaYo también, aunque el final fue triste.Me too, although the ending was sad.
- MateoEs cierto, Mateo piensa que fue emocionante.That's true, Mateo thinks it was exciting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “though” translations and entries no obstante, 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 nada, no, no obstante, obstante, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
