Introduction
Mesmo assim is a common Portuguese connective that translates roughly to nevertheless or even so in English. It helps speakers contrast two ideas: something expected based on the first clause versus an unexpected result in the second. This article explains how to use mesmo assim in Brazilian Portuguese, with clear rules, example sentences, and notes on formality and alternatives.
- What is Mesmo assim?
- Where to place Mesmo assim in a sentence
- How Mesmo assim differs from similar connectors
- Grammar rules and sentence structure
- Tense and subject agreement
- Common everyday examples
- Nuances and tone
- Alternatives and registers
- Cultural notes: when Brazilians prefer it
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Summary of key points
- Conclusion
What is Mesmo assim?
Mesmo assim is an adverbial phrase used to express contrast, concession, or continuation despite a previous statement. It functions similarly to English connectors like nevertheless, even so, or still. It often appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence and links a cause or fact to a surprising or opposing result.
Basic idea in one line
Mesmo assim means that although something is true or expected, the opposite or an unexpected action/result happened anyway.
Where to place Mesmo assim in a sentence
Mesmo assim is flexible in word order. You can place it at the beginning of the main clause for emphasis or in the middle to smooth the transition between ideas. The meaning stays largely the same.
Beginning of the clause
When you start a clause with mesmo assim, it highlights the contrast and prepares the listener for an unexpected consequence.
Example:
Eu estava cansado. Mesmo assim, saí para caminhar.
Middle of the sentence
Inserting mesmo assim in the middle is natural in spoken and written Portuguese and gives a less abrupt transition.
Example:
Eu estava cansado, mesmo assim, saí para caminhar.
End of the sentence (less common)
Putting mesmo assim at the end is possible but less frequent. It can be used for a casual or emphatic tone.
Example:
Eu estava cansado e saí para caminhar, mesmo assim.
How Mesmo assim differs from similar connectors
Portuguese has several words and phrases that express concession or contrast. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right one for tone and nuance.
Mesmo assim vs apesar de
Mesmo assim links a clause indicating surprising continuation or result. Apesar de is a preposition meaning despite or in spite of and requires a noun or gerund phrase after it.
Examples:
Ele estava doente. Mesmo assim, foi trabalhar.
Ele foi trabalhar apesar da doença.
Notice that apesar de needs a noun phrase, while mesmo assim connects clauses.
Mesmo assim vs contudo / no entanto
Contudo and no entanto are formal connectors similar to however. They are often used in writing and can substitute mesmo assim in many contexts, but they sound more formal and less colloquial.
Examples:
Choveu muito; contudo, a festa continuou.
Choveu muito. Mesmo assim, a festa continuou.
Both are correct; choose mesmo assim for everyday speech.
Mesmo assim vs ainda assim
Ainda assim is very close in meaning to mesmo assim. Both express concession, but ainda assim can emphasize continuity from a previous idea, sometimes sounding slightly stronger.
Examples:
Ele não treinou, ainda assim, ganhou a corrida.
Ele não treinou. Mesmo assim, ganhou a corrida.
You can swap them in most contexts without changing the meaning much.
Grammar rules and sentence structure
There are no special conjugations tied to Mesmo assim because it is an adverbial phrase. However, pay attention to punctuation and clause types when using it.
Use with independent clauses
Mesmo assim commonly connects two independent clauses: one states a fact, the next shows an unexpected result.
Example:
O filme era longo. Mesmo assim, eu gostei muito.
Use with subordinate clauses
You can also use mesmo assim between a subordinate clause and a main clause. The subordinate clause usually explains a reason or condition that makes the result surprising.
Example:
Embora estivesse frio, mesmo assim, fomos à praia.
Punctuation tips
When mesmo assim starts a clause, place a comma after it or after the preceding clause when it appears mid-sentence. This helps readability, especially in longer sentences.
Examples:
Mesmo assim, eu tentei ajudar.
Ele tinha pouco dinheiro, mesmo assim, comprou o presente.
Tense and subject agreement
Mesmo assim does not affect verb tense or subject agreement. Use the tense that matches the time frame of the action you describe. The connective simply signals contrast.
Present tense
Example:
Está chovendo, mesmo assim, eu saio agora.
Past tense
Example:
Estava chovendo ontem, mesmo assim, saí de casa.
Future and conditional
Example:
Se chover, mesmo assim, irei ao evento.
Ele diria não, mesmo assim, talvez aceitasse se insistissem.
Common everyday examples
Seeing mesmo assim in everyday contexts helps internalize its use. Here are realistic Brazilian Portuguese sentences with short explanations.
Example 1:
O restaurante estava cheio. Mesmo assim, conseguimos uma mesa.
Meaning: Despite the crowd, they still found a table.
Example 2:
Ele não estudou para a prova. Mesmo assim, passou.
Meaning: He passed the test even though he did not study.
Example 3:
Ela estava cansada. Mesmo assim, preparou o jantar.
Meaning: She prepared dinner despite being tired.
Example 4:
O avião atrasou, mesmo assim, cheguei a tempo para a reunião.
Meaning: The plane was delayed but I arrived on time anyway.
Example 5:
Não gosto de café. Mesmo assim, aceitei uma xícara para ser educado.
Meaning: I accepted a cup out of politeness even though I do not like coffee.
Nuances and tone
Mesmo assim is versatile: it can be neutral, ironic, apologetic, or emphatic depending on intonation and context. In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, tone often carries part of the meaning.
Neutral contrast
When used neutrally, it’s a simple factual connector.
Example:
Não tivemos tempo, mesmo assim, entregamos o trabalho.
Ironic or surprised tone
With a specific intonation, it can express surprise or mild sarcasm.
Example:
Ele prometeu que ligaria. Mesmo assim, não atendeu o telefone.
Politeness and concession
Use mesmo assim to soften a refusal or to acknowledge effort before stating a different choice.
Example:
Obrigado pelo convite. Mesmo assim, não posso ir hoje.
Alternatives and registers
Choosing the right synonym depends on formality and style. Here are common alternatives and when to prefer them.
Informal spoken alternatives:
ainda assim, mesmo (in some cases), apesar disso
Formal written alternatives:
contudo, no entanto, não obstante
Examples with alternatives:
Ele foi convidado; ainda assim, não compareceu.
Ele foi convidado; contudo, não compareceu.
Cultural notes: when Brazilians prefer it
In Brazil, mesmo assim is very common in everyday speech, TV, newspapers, and social media. It sounds natural and conversational, so learners can use it confidently in informal and semi-formal situations. For formal academic or legal writing, prefer contudo or no entanto for a more polished register.
Also note that Brazilian Portuguese often favors short, direct sentences. While native speakers use connectors frequently, they also split ideas into short sentences rather than complex, multi-clause constructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are frequent learner errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using mesmo assim with incorrect punctuation
Incorrect: Eu estava cansado mesmo assim saí.
Correct: Eu estava cansado. Mesmo assim, saí.
Mistake 2: Confusing mesmo assim with apesar de
Remember that apesar de needs a noun phrase or gerund after it, while mesmo assim connects clauses.
Mistake 3: Overusing formal alternatives in conversation
Prefer mesmo assim or ainda assim in spoken, casual contexts rather than contudo.
Summary of key points
– Mesmo assim expresses contrast or concession, similar to nevertheless or even so.
– It is flexible in position: beginning, middle, or end of a clause.
– It does not change verb tense or agreement.
– Use commas to separate clauses when appropriate.
– Alternatives include ainda assim, contudo, and apesar disso, each with slightly different register and nuance.
Conclusion
Mesmo assim is a very useful connector in Brazilian Portuguese for showing contrast or unexpected results. It is versatile, common in speech, and simple to use: place it between clauses, mind your punctuation, and pick the verb tense that fits the action. With the examples and notes above, you can start using mesmo assim naturally in conversation and writing.
