iako / mada

Although

Level 4

Iako and mada work the same way. Iako je hladno, šetamo. The main clause needs no extra "but".

How It Works

These two words connect a surprising pair of facts. The first clause gives something that might stop you, and the second clause says you do it anyway.

Word	Example
iako	Iako pada kiša, idemo u šetnju.
mada	Mada je kasno, još učim.

Iako is the usual choice in writing, and mada is common in speech too. The clause can come second as well: Idemo u šetnju, iako pada kiša.

The verb is normally in the indicative, because the fact is real. In English you may use "even though" for this meaning, and the Bosnian is the same.

English speakers often add "but" in the second clause. In Bosnian that is one connector too many: use iako with the comma, or a plain ali in two separate clauses, not both.

Examples (4)

Iako pada kiša, idemo u šetnju.
Although it is raining, we are going for a walk.
The first clause gives a fact that does not stop us.
Mada je kasno, još učim.
Although it is late, I am still studying.
Mada has the same meaning as iako.
Iako je hladno, šetamo uz Miljacku.
Although it is cold, we walk along the Miljacka.
A comma separates the two clauses.
Idem na posao, iako sam umoran.
I go to work, even though I am tired.
The clause can also come second.

Common Mistakes

Adding ali to the main clause.
Iako pada kiša, ali idemo u šetnju.
Iako pada kiša, idemo u šetnju.
Iako already contrasts the two clauses, so ali is not needed.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

iako / madaLevel 4Although

Learn This First

Concessive conjunctions.

i a ali iliAnd, But, Or
Although joins two clauses and shows a contrast, like ali, so know the simple joining words first.
Level 1

Words in This Pattern

iakomada

Practice iako / mada in Bubblegum

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