Even Though vs. Even If in Portuguese: Embora or Mesmo Se?
Use embora or mesmo que for ‘even though’; use mesmo se for ‘even if’ when the condition may or may not happen.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Embora means although or even though. In careful usage it is followed by the subjunctive, even when the situation is real. Many speakers also use mesmo que in the same role.
Use embora for a contrast with a real fact
Embora estivesse cansada, ela terminou o trabalho.
Even though she was tired, she finished the work.
Mesmo que esteja chovendo, vamos sair.
Even though it’s raining, we’re going out.
Use mesmo se for a hypothetical condition
Mesmo se means ‘even if’ and introduces a condition that may or may not happen. The future subjunctive is common when referring to a possible future event.
Mesmo se chover, vamos fazer o passeio.
Even if it rains, we’re going on the outing.
Vou tentar, mesmo se não tiver muito tempo.
I’ll try, even if I don’t have much time.
Separate the contrast from the condition
Ask whether you are describing a known fact or imagining a possible condition. A known contrast often takes embora or mesmo que; a possible future condition often takes mesmo se.
Embora ele more longe, chega cedo.
Even though he lives far away, he arrives early.
Mesmo se ele morar longe, pode vir de ônibus.
Even if he lives far away, he can come by bus.
Put it into practice
Use embora or mesmo que for ‘even though’ and mesmo se for ‘even if.’
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Even though he lives far away, he arrives early”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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