No matter how much
When you want to express that an outcome won't change regardless of the effort applied, you can use the expressions por mais que or por muito que ("no matter how much").
Because these phrases describe a hypothetical degree of effort or an extreme condition, they always trigger the subjunctive mood.
| No matter how much I train, surfing is difficult. | Por mais que eu treine, o surf é difícil. |
You can also use por muito que, which is completely interchangeable with por mais que.
| No matter how much you try, surfing demands a lot of effort. | Por muito que tentes, o surf exige muito esforço. |
These clauses are flexible and can appear at the beginning of the sentence or in the second half. Notice how we use the subjunctive form of estar (esteja) in the next example:
| I want to surf, no matter how dangerous the sea is. | Eu quero surfar, por mais que o mar esteja perigoso. |
Hitting the waves
Let's combine this grammar with some vocabulary about the physical challenges of surfing. You will need to know about a prancha (the surfboard) and the reflexive verb equilibrar-se (to balance oneself).
| No matter how much I balance myself, the surfboard turns. | Por mais que eu me equilibre, a prancha vira. |
To catch a wave, you also need to paddle (remar).
| No matter how much you paddle, balance is essential. | Por muito que remes, o equilíbrio é essencial. |
It is completely normal to fall off the board. The trick is not to get discouraged (desanimar), even if you happen to swallow (engolir) a little saltwater!
| No matter how much you get discouraged, try to paddle again. | Por muito que desanimes, tenta remar outra vez. |
| No matter how much water you swallow, the sea is beautiful. | Por mais que engulas água, o mar é lindo. |
