Spanish Grammar Bank

HOW TO SAY ALTHOUGH IN SPANISH

In Spanish, the term “although” is expressed through the subordinating conjunction aunque.

Aunque is also equivalent to other similar English expressions, such as “even though”, “even if”, and “despite the fact”.

AS A CONCESSIVE CONJUNCTION

When used as a concessive conjunction, aunque introduces a subordinate concessive clause – which poses a potential obstacle, that is ultimately ineffective and does not prevent the realization of what is stated in the main clause.

The concessive clause introduced by the conjunction aunque can be placed either before or after the main clause, without altering the meaning of the sentence.

Either of these sequences indicates that a possible obstacle is contained that can affect the action expressed in the main clause taking place.

PATTERN #1

Aunque introducing the concessive clause + main clause

PATTERN #2

Main clause + aunque introducing the concessive clause

Aunque no me apetece, como sano.Although I do not feel like it, I eat healthy.
Quiero participar, aunque no tengo tiempo.I want to participate, although I do not have time.
Aunque hace mal tiempo, no cancelamos el torneo.Although the weather is bad, we are not cancelling the tournament.
View More Examples:
Aunque lleguemos tarde, iremos.Even if we are late, we will go.
Aunque tenga poco tiempo, me iré de vacaciones.Even if I have little time, I will go on vacation.
Aunque tenga sueño, me levantaré temprano.Although I am sleepy, I will wake up early.

AS AN ADVERSATIVE CONJUNCTION

In Spanish, the conjunction aunque can also function as an adversative conjunction in certain contexts, introducing a contrast between two seemingly opposing ideas.

When aunque is used as an adversative conjunction, it is always interchangeable with the conjunction pero (but). For example:

Este camino es más corto, aunque peligroso

This way is shorter, although dangerous.
PATTERN #1

Main clause + aunque introducing the adversative clause

PATTERN #2

Aunque introducing the adversative clause + main clause

Él es joven, aunque con mucha experiencia.He is young, although with a lot of experience.
La obra es larga, aunque divertida.The play is long but fun.
María es muy inteligente, aunque poco trabajadora.Maria is very intelligent but not a hard worker.
View More Examples:
El problema es complicado, aunque remediable.The problem is complicated, although solvable.
El sofa es cómodo, aunque viejo.The sofa is comfortable but old.
La comida está deliciosa, aunque fría. The food is delicious but cold.

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FAQs

Does aunque always mean “although”?

Not alwaysaunque can also mean “even if” or “even though,” depending on the context and the verb tense used.

Is aunque followed by the subjunctive or indicative?

It depends: use the indicative when referring to known or factual situations, and the subjunctive for hypothetical, unknown, or doubtful situations.

Can aunque appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence?

Yes, aunque can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, just like “although” in English.

What’s the difference between aunque and a pesar de que?

Both express contrast, but a pesar de que tends to sound more formal or emphatic than aunque.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid with aunque?

Yes — one common mistake is always using the indicative. Pay attention to whether the clause expresses certainty (indicative) or possibility/doubt (subjunctive).

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