Embora vs. Apesar de: Say ‘Although’ and ‘Despite’ in Portuguese
Embora often introduces a clause with the subjunctive; apesar de can come before a noun or an infinitive.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
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.
Use embora to introduce a contrastive clause
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.
Embora estivesse chovendo, fomos caminhar.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Embora ela conheça a cidade, ainda usa um mapa.
Although she knows the city, she still uses a map.
Embora eu esteja com pressa, posso esperar cinco minutos.
Although I’m in a hurry, I can wait five minutes.
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.
Apesar do trânsito, chegamos na hora.
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
Apesar de trabalhar muito, ela tem tempo para descansar.
Despite working a lot, she has time to rest.
Embora o restaurante estivesse cheio, conseguimos uma mesa.
Although the restaurant was full, we got a table.
Put it into practice
Use embora + a clause (normally subjunctive) for ‘although.’ Use apesar de + a noun or infinitive for ‘despite,’ with contractions such as apesar da chuva.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Although it was raining, we went for a walk”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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