Embora and Mesmo Que: Subjunctive After “Although” and “Even If” — Practice

Use embora to introduce a contrast

Embora means “although” or “even though.” In standard Portuguese, it is normally followed by the subjunctive because it introduces a contrasting circumstance rather than simply stating the main fact.

For a present-time example, esteja is the subjunctive form of estar for ele, ela, você, and a gente. The clause can come before or after the main clause: Embora esteja chovendo, vamos sair (Although it is raining, we are going out).

Use mesmo que for an uncertain condition

Mesmo que often means “even if” or “even though.” When the condition is uncertain or hypothetical, use the subjunctive: mesmo que chova (even if it rains). A future possibility still uses the present subjunctive in this construction.

Brazilian Portuguese also uses mesmo que with the imperfect subjunctive for a hypothetical situation: mesmo que chovesse (even if it rained). Choose the tense based on the situation you mean, not a word-for-word English translation.

Build the sentence around the contrast

First state the situation that might seem to change your decision, then say what happens anyway. Embora and mesmo que introduce that contrast; the main clause carries the outcome. Do not confuse them with porque (because), which gives a reason.

• Embora esteja frio, vou sair. — Although it is cold, I’m going out.
• Mesmo que esteja frio, vou sair. — Even if it is cold, I’m going out.
• Porque está frio, vou ficar em casa. — Because it is cold, I’m staying home.

Remember: Make one real contrast with embora and one uncertain plan with mesmo que. Check that the verb after each connector matches the meaning.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Although I’m tired, I’m going to finish this.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora eu esteja cansado, vou terminar isso.

2. She came, although she was busy.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ela veio, embora estivesse ocupada.

3. Although it is far, it is worth the visit.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora seja longe, vale a visita.

4. Even if it rains, we’re going for a walk.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Mesmo que chova, vamos caminhar.

5. Even if you don’t like it, you need to try it.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Mesmo que você não goste, precisa provar.

6. I would go, even if it were late.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Eu iria, mesmo que fosse tarde.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Make one real contrast with embora and one uncertain plan with mesmo que. Check that the verb after each connector matches the meaning.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Embora and Mesmo Que: Subjunctive After “Although” and “Even If” lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.