Introduction
Understanding subtle differences between similar conjunctions is crucial for Portuguese learners. This article explains how to use Embora and Apesar de in Brazilian Portuguese. You will learn their grammar, word order, verb forms, meaning nuances, and common mistakes, with clear examples and usage notes to help you sound natural.
What do these connectors mean?
Embora and Apesar de both express concession: they introduce information that contrasts with or limits the main idea. In English they often translate as although, even though, or despite. However, their grammar and the verbs that follow are different, so choosing the correct form matters for correct Portuguese.
Basic difference at a glance
Embora is a conjunction that is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. It introduces a subordinate clause.
A pesar de is actually written Apesar de in standard Brazilian Portuguese and is a prepositional phrase. It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in the infinitive, not a finite verb form. This structural difference is the key point to remember.
Grammar rules: Embora
Embora functions as a subordinating conjunction and requires the verb in the subordinate clause to be in the subjunctive when the speaker expresses concession or doubt. The subjunctive signals an action or state that is contrary to reality, hypothetical, or uncertain.
Present and past usage with Embora
Use present subjunctive after Embora when the concession relates to the present or future:
Embora eu queira ir, não posso.
Although I want to go, I cannot.
Use imperfect subjunctive after Embora when the concession refers to a past or hypothetical situation:
Embora ele fosse rico, vivia de forma simples.
Although he was rich, he lived simply.
Note: In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, sometimes verbs in the indicative appear after Embora in casual speech, but for formal writing and correct grammar always use the subjunctive.
Examples with variations
Embora ela estude, não passou no exame.
Although she studies, she did not pass the exam.
Embora nós tenhamos dinheiro, preferimos economizar.
Although we have money, we prefer to save.
Embora eu tivesse tentado, não consegui.
Although I had tried, I did not succeed.
Grammar rules: A pesar de
A pesar de is a prepositional expression used to indicate contrast. It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or a verb in the infinitive. It does not trigger the subjunctive because it does not introduce a finite clause.
Followed by nouns or pronouns
Use A pesar de + noun or pronoun to express that something happens despite a circumstance:
A pesar da chuva, fomos ao parque.
Despite the rain, we went to the park.
A pesar do cansaço, continuei trabalhando.
Despite the tiredness, I kept working.
Followed by infinitive verbs
When action is needed, follow A pesar de with the infinitive form of the verb:
A pesar de estar cansado, ele continuou.
Despite being tired, he continued.
A pesar de não saber nadar, entrou na água.
Despite not knowing how to swim, he entered the water.
Comparing structures side by side
Here are parallel examples that show how each connector changes the clause structure but keeps similar meaning. Compare the verb forms carefully.
Embora eu esteja cansado, vou ao trabalho.
A pesar de estar cansado, vou ao trabalho.
Observations: In the first sentence the verb after Embora is a finite verb in the subjunctive (esteja). In the second sentence A pesar de is followed by the infinitive estar.
Embora ela tenha dinheiro, não compra carros caros.
A pesar de ter dinheiro, ela não compra carros caros.
Observations: Again, tenha is subjunctive after Embora, while ter is infinitive after A pesar de. Word order and subject placement can differ but the concession meaning remains.
Pronunciation and register
Both connectors are common in Brazilian Portuguese. Embora sounds slightly more formal and is frequent in written Portuguese, journalism, and academic texts. A pesar de is versatile and idiomatic in both spoken and written registers. In everyday speech you will also hear apesar, especially in faster or colloquial contexts where speakers shorten phrases.
Regional and spoken variations
In casual conversation Brazilians sometimes use apesar que followed by an indicative verb, for example apesar que ele disse. Grammarians often consider this nonstandard, and the correct forms are A pesar de + infinitive or Embora + subjunctive. For formal writing and exams stick with the standard grammar rules.
Cultural and usage notes
Expressing concession is common in Brazilian Portuguese because speakers often present a contrast before giving an opinion or decision. Both Embora and A pesar de help convey politeness, hesitation, or nuance. For example, when giving feedback, a Brazilian might use these to soften criticism:
A crítica foi dura, embora tenha ajudado.
The criticism was harsh, although it helped.
A pesar do comentário, ela continuou trabalhando.
Despite the comment, she kept working.
Notice how these connectors shape the tone: Embora with subjunctive can sound reflective or formal, while A pesar de often feels straightforward and factual.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Wrong verb form after Embora: using the indicative instead of the subjunctive.
Incorrect: Embora eu vou.
Correct: Embora eu vá.
2. Using A pesar de with a finite verb where a noun or infinitive is required.
Incorrect: A pesar de eu fui.
Correct: A pesar de eu ter ido. or A pesar da minha ida.
3. Confusing register: using apesar que + indicative in formal writing. That construction appears colloquially, but for formal contexts prefer Embora + subjunctive or A pesar de + infinitive/noun.
Practical tips for learners
1. Memorize the core rule: Embora + subjunctive; A pesar de + noun/pronoun/infinitive.
2. When unsure, rephrase: use independent clauses or nominal phrases to avoid subjunctive if you are not confident yet. Example: Em vez de dizer Embora eu não saiba, diga Eu não sei, mas…
3. Read Brazilian texts and notice which connector appears in newspapers, blogs, and novels. Pay attention to the verb forms used after each connector. Reading will help internalize patterns faster than memorizing rules alone.
4. Practice converting sentences from one form to the other to see the structural changes. For instance transform Embora eu tenha dinheiro… into A pesar de ter dinheiro…
Exceptions and special cases
Some fixed expressions or literary uses may allow more flexibility. In poetic or rhetorical contexts writers sometimes use indicative after Embora for stylistic effect, but this is advanced and rare in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Also, watch out for negative forms and pronouns that require contraction with the preposition de, such as a pesar do fato or a pesar da opinião de alguém.
Summary table (in words)
Use Embora when you need a subordinate clause with the subjunctive to show concession. Use A pesar de when you want a short phrase of contrast introduced by a noun, pronoun, or infinitive. Both mean a type of although/despite, but their grammar and register differ.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between Embora and A pesar de makes your Portuguese more accurate and natural. Remember: Embora + subjunctive for clauses, and A pesar de + noun or infinitive for noun-like or action phrases. Notice usage in real Brazilian Portuguese, avoid colloquial shortcuts in formal contexts, and gradually practice converting sentences to internalize the patterns.
