Expressing "Even if" with "Ainda que"
When you want to say "even if" or "even though" in Portuguese, use the conjunction ainda que. This is a concessive conjunction, meaning it introduces an obstacle or condition that does not prevent the main action from happening.
Because it expresses a concession, a doubt, or a hypothetical situation, ainda que must always be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
| Even if the grammar is difficult, you must not give up. | Ainda que a gramática seja difícil, não deves desistir. |
| Even if you do not memorize all the vocabulary, you must practice. | Ainda que não memorizes todo o vocabulário, deves praticar. |
Flexible placement
The ainda que clause can be placed at the beginning of the sentence or in the second half. When it starts the sentence, use a comma to separate it from the main clause. No matter where it sits, the verb immediately following ainda que stays in the subjunctive.
| Even if I make a mistake, I speak without fear. | Ainda que eu cometa um erro, falo sem medo. |
| She understands the grammar, even though she makes mistakes sometimes. | Ela compreende a gramática, ainda que cometa erros às vezes. |
| Even if you do not have a native pronunciation, they understand you. | Ainda que não tenhas uma pronúncia nativa, eles compreendem-te. |
Persisting through challenges
Learning a new language is a perfect context for practicing this grammar. You can use ainda que to talk about pushing forward and communicating despite making mistakes or dealing with tricky grammar.
| You must persist, even if it is difficult. | Deves persistir, ainda que seja difícil. |
| Even if the method is slow, we are going to persist. | Ainda que o método seja lento, vamos persistir. |
| Even if she does not like the grammar, she persists every day. | Ainda que não goste da gramática, ela persiste todos os dias. |