ainda que/mesmo que + Subjunctive
Concessive Ainda Que/Mesmo Que
Ainda que and mesmo que are concessive connectors. They introduce an obstacle that does not prevent the main action from happening. In Portuguese, these connectors always trigger the subjunctive mood.
How It Works
Concessive clauses show a contrast between two ideas. Even if the first part is true or possible, the second part remains valid.
1. Mood and Tense Selection:
Unlike some other connectors, these are fixed triggers for the subjunctive:
- Present Subjunctive: Used for present or future scenarios. Mesmo que chova, eu vou. (Even if it rains, I'm going.)
- Imperfect Subjunctive: Used for present or future hypotheticals (counterfactuals). Ainda que ele fosse rico, não compraria isso. (Even if he were rich [now], he wouldn't buy that.)
- Compound Past Subjunctive: To become proficient in discussing past counterfactuals, use the Mais-Que-Perfeito Composto do Subjuntivo. Mesmo que tivéssemos saído antes, teríamos chegado tarde. (Even if we had left earlier, we would have arrived late.)
2. Register Differences:
- Mesmo que: The 'workhorse' of the language. It is used in all contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing.
- Ainda que: More common in literature, journalism, and formal speech. It is very versatile and can easily mean both 'even though' (factual) and 'even if' (hypothetical).
3. Comparison with 'Embora':
Embora is the most direct way to say 'although.' While ainda que and mesmo que emphasize the obstacle ('even if'), embora is a more neutral way to link contrasting facts.
Examples (5)
- Ainda que tenha pouco tempo, vou terminar o relatório.
Even though I have little time, I will finish the report.
Word by Word: Even that I have (subj.) little time, I go to finish the report.
Here, 'ainda que' introduces a factual concession using the present subjunctive 'tenha'.
- Mesmo que você me peça desculpas, não vou te perdoar.
Even if you apologize to me, I won't forgive you.
Word by Word: Even that you to me ask (subj.) apologies, not I go you to forgive.
'Mesmo que' is used here for a hypothetical future condition, triggering the subjunctive 'peça'.
- Ainda que fosse verdade, eu não acreditaria.
Even if it were true, I wouldn't believe it.
Word by Word: Even that it were (subj. imp.) truth, I not would believe.
This uses the imperfect subjunctive 'fosse' to describe a counterfactual situation in the present.
- Vou à festa mesmo que esteja cansado.
I'm going to the party even if I am tired.
Word by Word: I go to the party even that I be (subj.) tired.
In speech, 'mesmo que' is the most natural way to express this sentiment.
- Mesmo que ele tivesse chegado cedo, não teria visto o início.
Even if he had arrived early, he wouldn't have seen the beginning.
Word by Word: Even that he had (subj. imp.) arrived early, not he would have seen the beginning.
This uses the Mais-Que-Perfeito do Subjuntivo to describe a counterfactual situation in the past.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood for factual concessions.
Ainda que está chovendo, vou sair.Ainda que esteja chovendo, vou sair.Even if the rain is a real fact, 'ainda que' requires the subjunctive mood in standard Portuguese.
Using the Future Subjunctive instead of the Present Subjunctive.
Mesmo que ele vier amanhã...Mesmo que ele venha amanhã...Unlike the word 'se' (if), 'mesmo que' and 'ainda que' take the Present Subjunctive for future possibilities, not the Future Subjunctive.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn 'ainda que' and 'mesmo que', you must first be comfortable with the Subjunctive mood (both Present and Imperfect), as these connectors are grammatically required to trigger it. Additionally, a solid grasp of basic contrastive conjunctions like 'mas' provides the conceptual foundation for expressing opposition between ideas.
- -asse/-asses/-asse/-ássemos/-ásseis/-assemImperfeito Do Subjuntivo -AR
Understanding the imperfect subjunctive is necessary for using these connectors in hypothetical or past contexts.
Level 4 - mas/porémBut (Coordinating Contrast)
Learners should first understand basic coordinating contrast (but) before moving to more complex subordinating concessive structures (even if).
Level 3
Related Patterns
- embora + SubjunctiveEmbora (Although)
'Embora' is the most common synonym for 'ainda que', also requiring the subjunctive.
Level 5 - apesar de + Infinitive/NounApesar De with Infinitive or Noun
'Apesar de' expresses the same concessive meaning but uses the infinitive instead of the subjunctive.
Level 4 - se + Future SubjunctiveCondição Real Futura (Se)
Contrast this with 'mesmo se', which (unlike 'mesmo que') triggers the future subjunctive.
Level 4 - por mais que + SubjunctiveHowever Much (Concessive)
Another concessive structure used to say 'no matter how much'.
Level 5 - se + Imperfect Subjunctive + ConditionalCondição Irreal (Presente)
Used for counterfactual conditions, similar to how 'ainda que' uses the imperfect subjunctive.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice ainda que/mesmo que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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