Embora vs. Apesar de: Say ‘Although’ and ‘Despite’ in Portuguese — Practice

Use embora to introduce a contrastive clause

Embora commonly means ‘although’ or ‘even though.’ It introduces a full clause and is followed by the subjunctive in standard Portuguese: embora esteja cansada (although she is tired). The main clause says what happens despite that situation.

The subject can be the same or different, but the verb still forms a clause after embora. In everyday speaking, you may hear simpler alternatives such as mas (but) when a shorter sentence is enough.

Use apesar de before a noun or an infinitive

Apesar de means ‘despite’ or ‘in spite of.’ It can be followed by a noun: apesar da chuva (despite the rain), or by an infinitive: apesar de estar cansado (despite being tired). If you need a full clause with a new subject, apesar de que + subjunctive is possible, though embora is often a concise alternative.

Notice the contraction when a definite article follows de: apesar de + a becomes apesar da; apesar de + o becomes apesar do. A small preposition choice changes the sentence structure, so learn these chunks with their examples.

Remember: Use embora + a clause (normally subjunctive) for ‘although.’ Use apesar de + a noun or infinitive for ‘despite,’ with contractions such as apesar da chuva.

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 it was raining, we went for a walk.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora estivesse chovendo, fomos caminhar.

2. Although she knows the city, she still uses a map.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora ela conheça a cidade, ainda usa um mapa.

3. Although I’m in a hurry, I can wait five minutes.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora eu esteja com pressa, posso esperar cinco minutos.

4. Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Apesar do trânsito, chegamos na hora.

5. Despite working a lot, she has time to rest.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Apesar de trabalhar muito, ela tem tempo para descansar.

6. Although the restaurant was full, we got a table.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora o restaurante estivesse cheio, conseguimos uma mesa.

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.

Use embora + a clause (normally subjunctive) for ‘although.’ Use apesar de + a noun or infinitive for ‘despite,’ with contractions such as apesar da chuva.

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 vs. Apesar de: Say ‘Although’ and ‘Despite’ in Portuguese 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.