Mesmo Assim vs. Apesar Disso: Add a Contrast in Portuguese
Both expressions can mean ‘even so’ or ‘despite that,’ but they fit slightly different sentence rhythms.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Mesmo assim introduces an action or result that continues despite a problem. It often appears after the obstacle, much like ‘even so’ or ‘still’ in English.
Use mesmo assim for a compact ‘even so’
You can use it at the start of a sentence or after a comma. It comments on the whole situation rather than changing the tense of the verb that follows.
Estava chovendo; mesmo assim, fomos caminhar.
It was raining; even so, we went for a walk.
O restaurante estava cheio, mas a gente esperou mesmo assim.
The restaurant was full, but we waited anyway.
Eu estava cansada. Mesmo assim, terminei o relatório.
I was tired. Still, I finished the report.
Use apesar disso to point back to the obstacle
Apesar disso also means ‘despite that’ or ‘in spite of it.’ Disso points back to the difficulty you just mentioned, while apesar de can introduce a noun or an infinitive directly.
The ideas often overlap, so choose the one that makes your sentence easier to follow. Add a clear subject and verb when the consequence needs emphasis.
O ônibus atrasou. Apesar disso, chegamos no horário.
The bus was late. Despite that, we arrived on time.
Apesar da chuva, o jogo aconteceu.
Despite the rain, the game took place.
Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou estudando.
Despite being tired, he kept studying.
Put it into practice
Use mesmo assim for a natural ‘even so / anyway’ and apesar disso when you want to point back to an obstacle; apesar de can introduce a noun or infinitive.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I was tired. Still, I finished the report”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.