embora + Subjunctive

Embora (Although)

Level 5

Use embora to express 'although' or 'even though'. It introduces a fact or obstacle that doesn't stop the main action, but grammatically, it always requires the subjunctive mood.

How It Works

The word embora is a primary way to express concession in Portuguese. While standard in European Portuguese, it often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone in casual Brazilian speech, where speakers might prefer mesmo que.

1. The Subjunctive Rule
This is the most critical rule: embora triggers the subjunctive mood.

  • Use the Present Subjunctive for current or future concessions: Embora esteja sol, está frio. (Although it is sunny, it is cold.)
  • Use the Imperfect Subjunctive for past concessions: Embora estivesse sol, estava frio. (Although it was sunny, it was cold.)

2. The Future Subjunctive Trap
Learners often mistakenly use the Future Subjunctive with embora because they are used to doing so with 'se' or 'quando'. However, embora always takes the Present Subjunctive for future events: Embora ele chegue (not chegar) amanhã, não estarei aqui.

3. Factual vs. Hypothetical
In Portuguese, embora uses the subjunctive even for facts. If you say 'Although I am tired', you are definitely tired, but you still use the subjunctive esteja.

4. Reduced Clauses
In formal writing, you might see embora followed directly by an adjective or participle: Embora cansado, ele terminou o trabalho. (Although tired, he finished the work.)

5. 'Ir embora' vs. 'Embora'
Do not confuse this conjunction with the phrase ir embora, which means 'to leave'.

Examples (5)

  1. Embora ela seja jovem, tem muita experiência.

    Although she is young, she has a lot of experience.

    Word by Word: Although she be young, has much experience.

    Even though her youth is a fact, 'seja' (present subjunctive of 'ser') is required after 'embora'.

  2. Vou à festa, embora esteja muito cansado.

    I'm going to the party, even though I'm very tired.

    Word by Word: I go to the party, although I be very tired.

    The speaker is actually tired, but 'esteja' (present subjunctive of 'estar') must be used.

  3. Embora fizesse calor, ele usava um casaco.

    Although it was hot, he was wearing a coat.

    Word by Word: Although it made heat, he used a coat.

    Since the main verb 'usava' is in the past, 'embora' triggers the imperfect subjunctive 'fizesse'.

  4. Eles compraram o carro, embora fosse caro.

    They bought the car, although it was expensive.

    Word by Word: They bought the car, although it were expensive.

    The imperfect subjunctive 'fosse' is used here to match the past tense of the purchase.

  5. Embora não tenhamos dinheiro, somos felizes.

    Although we don't have money, we are happy.

    Word by Word: Although not we have (subj.) money, we are happy.

    'Tenhamos' is the present subjunctive of 'ter', triggered by 'embora'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indicative mood after 'embora'.

    Embora ele é inteligente, não estuda.
    Embora ele seja inteligente, não estuda.

    English speakers often use the indicative ('is') because the fact is true. In Portuguese, 'embora' is a mandatory subjunctive trigger.

  • Confusing 'embora' with 'apesar de'.

    Embora do tempo ruim, saímos.
    Apesar do tempo ruim, saímos.

    'Embora' must be followed by a clause with a conjugated verb. If you only have a noun phrase (like 'bad weather'), you must use 'apesar de'.

  • Using the Future Subjunctive for future concessions.

    Embora ele vier amanhã, não o verei.
    Embora ele venha amanhã, não o verei.

    Unlike 'se' or 'quando', 'embora' never takes the future subjunctive. Even when referring to the future, you must use the present subjunctive.

How It Connects

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embora + SubjunctiveLevel 5Embora (Although)

Learn This First

To use 'embora' correctly, you must first be comfortable with the Present Subjunctive mood, as this conjunction triggers it regardless of the certainty of the statement. It is also helpful to understand basic contrastive conjunctions like 'mas' to appreciate the nuance of concessive clauses.

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embora