Introduction
Concession clauses express contrast or surprise: they admit a fact but present a result that does not follow logically. In Portuguese, two common connectors are Embora and Mesmo que. This article explains their meanings, word order, verb moods, differences, and natural Brazilian Portuguese examples so English-speaking learners can use them confidently.
- What are concession clauses?
- Embora: meaning and grammar
- Mesmo que: meaning and grammar
- Comparing embora and mesmo que
- Word order and punctuation
- Common verbs and constructions used with concession clauses
- Practical examples in Brazilian Portuguese
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Cultural and usage notes
- Conclusion
What are concession clauses?
Concession clauses (orações concessivas) communicate that one idea contrasts with or does not prevent another. In English you might say although, even though, or even if. In Brazilian Portuguese, the connectors embora and mesmo que are frequently used. They introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
Typical structure
Concession clauses can appear before or after the main clause. When they appear first, they are often followed by a comma. Both orders are natural in Portuguese, and the meaning stays essentially the same.
Example with the concession clause first:
Embora esteja cansado, ele vai sair hoje.
Example with the concession clause after:
Ele vai sair hoje, embora esteja cansado.
Embora: meaning and grammar
Embora is equivalent to English although or even though. It introduces a subordinate clause that usually requires the subjunctive mood when the speaker expresses doubt, concession, or an action that is not a factual certainty. The subjunctive is the norm after embora.
Verb mood after embora
Use the present subjunctive for present or future reference and the imperfect subjunctive for past reference that is hypothetical or contrary-to-fact.
Present subjunctive example:
Embora ele esteja cansado, ele vai trabalhar.
Imperfect subjunctive example:
Embora ela fizesse tudo certo, não conseguiu o emprego.
Why subjunctive? A simple explanation
The subjunctive after embora signals that the concessive idea is presented as a perspective, not as a mere fact that guarantees the result. The clause with embora introduces a contrast that does not determine the outcome. This is one reason Portuguese prefers the subjunctive here.
Variations and informal use
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, you may sometimes hear the indicative after embora, especially when the speaker treats the concessive fact as real and certain. However, for clear, correct written Portuguese and for learners, use the subjunctive.
Indicative example (colloquial):
Embora ele está cansado, vai sair.
This is common in informal speech but not standard written usage.
Mesmo que: meaning and grammar
Mesmo que can mean even if or even though, depending on context. When the idea is hypothetical or unlikely, mesmo que usually requires the subjunctive. When it expresses a factual concession that the speaker accepts as true, the indicative can appear, but subjunctive is more common and safer for learners.
Even if vs even though
In many contexts mesmo que translates best as even if, especially when the action in the subordinate clause is hypothetical or counterfactual. Use the subjunctive to mark that hypothetical sense. When translating even though (a factual concession), you might still use subjunctive in Portuguese, but both moods can be heard.
Hypothetical example (subjunctive):
Mesmo que chova amanhã, iremos ao parque.
Factual concession (possible indicative in speech):
Mesmo que choveu ontem, a festa continua hoje.
Standard written Portuguese prefers:
Mesmo que tenha chovido ontem, a festa continua hoje.
Verb tense choices with mesmo que
For present or future hypothetical events, use present subjunctive. For past hypothetical or prior events, use perfect subjunctive (if you need the action to be prior) or imperfect subjunctive for counterfactual past situations.
Present/future hypothetical:
Mesmo que ele venha, não resolveremos o problema.
Past hypothetical/prior event:
Mesmo que ele tenha vindo, não viu ninguém.
Counterfactual past:
Mesmo que ela tivesse estudado, não teria passado.
Comparing embora and mesmo que
Both connectors introduce contrast, but they are used slightly differently in nuance and frequency.
Key differences
-
Embora often corresponds to although or even though and leans toward a concessive statement that the speaker frames as a viewpoint. It is typically followed by the subjunctive.
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Mesmo que can mean even if (hypothetical) or even though (factual concession). It is particularly natural when introducing a hypothetical or remote possibility and usually takes the subjunctive in that case.
When to choose which
Use embora when you want a natural, slightly formal concession that contrasts with the main clause; it is common in writing and formal speech. Use mesmo que when the concession expresses a hypothetical condition or to emphasize the idea even if something happens. Both are common in Brazilian Portuguese conversations and writing.
Word order and punctuation
Concession clauses can come before or after the main clause. When the concessive clause precedes the main clause, use a comma after it. When it follows, a comma before it is common but not mandatory depending on length and style.
Examples with embora:
Embora esteja frio, vamos caminhar.
Vamos caminhar, embora esteja frio.
Examples with mesmo que:
Mesmo que você não queira, vou conversar com ele.
Vou conversar com ele, mesmo que você não queira.
Negation inside concession clauses
Negation inside the concessive clause follows normal rules. Note that double negation in Portuguese is acceptable and often necessary. The negation does not cancel the concessive meaning.
Example:
Mesmo que ele não fale, eu já entendi a mensagem.
Common verbs and constructions used with concession clauses
Certain verbs and expressions pair naturally with concessive connectors: saber, querer, poder, conseguir, saber que, perceber, parecer. These create typical contrastive sentences in everyday speech.
Examples:
Embora eu não saiba a resposta, vou tentar.
Mesmo que você queira, talvez não dê tempo.
Embora pareça fácil, é mais difícil do que imagina.
Concessive connectors combined
Portuguese allows more emphatic combinations, like mesmo que + embora, but such doubles are rare and typically unnecessary. Stick to one connector per concessive idea for clarity.
Practical examples in Brazilian Portuguese
Short real-life sentences help internalize structure and mood usage.
Daily life:
Embora esteja chovendo, saí para comprar pão.
Mesmo que esteja chovendo, vamos ao mercado.
Work and study:
Embora não tenha experiência, ela conseguiu o estágio.
Mesmo que eu estude muito, às vezes fico nervoso nas provas.
Opinion and attitudes:
Embora ele seja crítico, respeito a opinião dele.
Mesmo que você discorde, mantenha a calma.
Past situations:
Embora tivesse avisado, eles chegaram atrasados.
Mesmo que tivesse tentado novamente, não mudaria o resultado.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Using the wrong mood: Do not use the indicative after embora in formal writing. Learn the present and imperfect subjunctive forms to be safe.
2. Confusing literal translations: English even if and even though can map to mesmo que or other constructions. Focus on meaning: hypothetical? use mesmo que + subjunctive. Concession without hypothesis? embora + subjunctive is a solid choice.
3. Word order: Remember the comma after the subordinate clause when it comes first. This improves clarity and matches natural punctuation habits.
Quick reference: subjunctive forms
Present subjunctive endings for regular verbs:
-AR verbs: e, es, e, emos, eis, em
-ER/-IR verbs: a, as, a, amos, ais, am
Imperfect subjunctive is formed from the third-person plural of the preterite: remove -ram and add -sse, -sses, -sse, -ssemos, -sseis, -ssem. Example: falar -> falaram -> falasse.
Cultural and usage notes
Brazilian Portuguese speakers often use softer, more conversational forms in speech. You will hear colloquial shortcuts and indicative forms in casual contexts. However, learning the subjunctive forms with embora and mesmo que will make your speech and writing more accurate and natural, especially in formal settings, academic contexts, or written Portuguese.
Politeness and tones
Concession clauses can soften criticism or disagreement. For example, starting with embora or mesmo que makes corrections and objections less direct, which is useful in polite conversation or professional communication.
Example:
Embora haja pontos a melhorar, o relatório está bem elaborado.
Conclusion
Mastering concession clauses with Embora and Mesmo que helps express contrast, doubt, and hypothetical scenarios in Brazilian Portuguese. Use the subjunctive after these connectors to sound natural and correct. Remember word order, punctuation, and subtle differences: embora for concessive contrast and mesmo que for hypothetical even if. With practice, these structures will become a natural part of your Portuguese.
