Overcoming obstacles: a pesar de que
When sailing, conditions are rarely perfect. To express that an action continues despite an obstacle or unexpected outcome, Spanish uses the phrase a pesar de que.
| even though / despite the fact that (stronger concession) | a pesar de que |
How you use this phrase depends on whether the obstacle is a reality or just a possibility. When the obstacle is a known, established fact, you follow a pesar de que with a verb in the indicative mood. In English, this usually translates to "even though".
| Even though the waves are big, we sail toward the coast. | A pesar de que las olas son grandes, navegamos hacia la costa. |
| The captain sleeps even though there is a storm. | El capitán duerme a pesar de que hay una tormenta. |
Notice in the examples above that a pesar de que is flexible: it can start the sentence or sit right in the middle to connect two ideas.
On the open ocean, you also have to prepare for things that might happen. When the obstacle is hypothetical, unknown, or in the future, follow a pesar de que with the subjunctive mood. In this case, it translates best to "even if".
| Even if the waves are big, the sailor is not afraid. | A pesar de que las olas sean grandes, el marinero no tiene miedo. |
| Even if the tide goes down, the boat can float. | A pesar de que la marea baje, el barco puede flotar. |
| We look for the lighthouse even if it does not shine today. | Buscamos el faro a pesar de que no brille hoy. |