Ainda Assim in Portuguese: Say ‘Even So’ or ‘Still’
Ainda assim means ‘even so’ or ‘nevertheless’ and signals that a previous fact does not change what follows.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Ainda assim means even so, still, or nevertheless. The phrase acknowledges a condition and then says that the next action, opinion, or result remains valid.
Use ainda assim to continue despite a limitation
It is different from ainda used alone to mean still or yet. In ainda assim, the full expression connects one idea to another.
O caminho é longo. Ainda assim, quero ir a pé.
The route is long. Even so, I want to walk.
Ainda assim, podemos tentar uma solução mais simples.
Even so, we can try a simpler solution.
Compare it with mas and no entanto
Mas is a direct everyday but. No entanto is a more formal connector for however. Ainda assim puts extra focus on continuing or holding to a point despite what you just acknowledged.
The meaning depends on both clauses. Use the expression that best describes the relationship between the difficulty and the decision that follows.
Está chovendo, mas vamos sair.
It is raining, but we are going out.
Está chovendo. Ainda assim, vamos sair para caminhar.
It is raining. Even so, we are going out for a walk.
Put the concession where the contrast is clear
At the beginning of a sentence, ainda assim is often followed by a comma. It can also appear after the subject or later in the clause, depending on emphasis.
Avoid using it when the second idea is simply additional information. A contrast or obstacle should be understandable from the surrounding sentences.
A reunião foi difícil. Ainda assim, a equipe chegou a um acordo.
The meeting was difficult. Even so, the team reached an agreement.
Eles ainda assim decidiram participar do projeto.
They decided to take part in the project despite that.
Put it into practice
Use ainda assim when you acknowledge a challenge but want to show that it does not change the next point.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “It is raining, but we are going out”?
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.