beraz / hala ere / ordea
So, Even So, However
Three linking words: beraz (so), hala ere (even so) and ordea (however): Berandu da; beraz, joan behar dut. (It is late, so I have to go.)
How It Works
1. beraz: so, therefore. First the reason, then the result: Berandu da; beraz, joan behar dut. Euria ari du; beraz, aterkia hartuko dut.
2. hala ere: even so, still. It usually opens the second sentence: Nekatuta nago; hala ere, lagunduko dizut. A stronger form is hala eta guztiz ere.
3. ordea: however. It contrasts two people or things. It usually comes after the first word or phrase, or at the end: Denak hondartzara joan ziren. Ane, ordea, etxean geratu zen. Etxeko guztiek erretzen dute; nik, ordea, ez. To open a sentence with a contrast, the usual word is baina.
4. ordea or baina? baina starts the second part; ordea sits inside it. aldiz and berriz contrast in a similar way.
5. Punctuation. Put a full stop or semicolon before beraz and hala ere, and a comma after them. Put ordea between commas.
Tip: In formal writing you will also meet hortaz and dena den.
Examples (6)
- Berandu da; beraz, joan behar dut.
It is late, so I have to go.
- Nekatuta nago; hala ere, lagunduko dizut.
I am tired; even so, I will help you.
- Denak hondartzara joan ziren. Ane, ordea, etxean geratu zen.
Everyone went to the beach. Ane, however, stayed at home.
ordea comes after the first word, Ane.
- Euria ari du; beraz, aterkia hartuko dut.
It is raining, so I will take an umbrella.
- Garestia da; hala ere, erosiko dut.
It is expensive; even so, I will buy it.
- Etxeko guztiek erretzen dute; nik, ordea, ez.
Everyone at home smokes; I, however, don't.
Common Mistakes
Using beraz when you mean "even so".
Nekatuta nago; beraz, lagunduko dizut.Nekatuta nago; hala ere, lagunduko dizut.beraz gives a result: "I am tired, so I will help you" does not make sense. To help in spite of being tired, use hala ere.
Using ordea when you mean "so".
Euria ari du; ordea, aterkia hartuko dut.Euria ari du; beraz, aterkia hartuko dut.Taking an umbrella is the result of the rain, not a contrast. Use beraz for a result.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Linking words follow the basic connectors.
Related Patterns
- aldiz / berrizOn the Other Hand
Other contrast words that sit inside the second sentence.
Level 4 - hortaz / halaber / dena denFormal Connectors
More formal words for "so" and "anyway".
Level 5 - arren / nahiz etaAlthough
Says the same as hala ere, but inside one sentence.
Level 3 - gainera / izan ere / hau daMoreover, In Fact, That Is
More linking words: moreover, in fact, that is.
Level 4 - -lakoBecause: -lako
Gives the reason; beraz gives the result.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice beraz / hala ere / ordea in Bubblegum
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