no entanto/contudo/todavia

However/Nevertheless

Level 5

No entanto, contudo, todavia, and entretanto are formal alternatives to mas (but). They signal contrast and are primarily used in writing or formal speech.

How It Works

These connectors are essential for formal Portuguese. While they all mean 'however,' they carry slight nuances:

  • No entanto: The most common and neutral formal connector.
  • Contudo: Slightly more emphatic, highlighting a strong contradiction.
  • Todavia: The most literary and formal.
  • Entretanto: Very common in Brazil as 'however'; in Portugal, it often means 'meanwhile'.

Syntactic Mobility:
A crucial distinction exists between these and mas. The conjunction mas is fixed at the start of the clause. In contrast, no entanto, contudo, todavia, entretanto, and even porém are mobile:
1. No início: No entanto, ele não veio.
2. No meio: Ele, no entanto, não veio.
3. No fim: Ele não veio, no entanto.

Punctuation:
When these words appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence, they must be set off by commas. When starting a sentence, a comma usually follows them. Note: Unlike these connectors, mas is never followed by a comma unless it is followed by an unrelated parenthetical phrase.

Examples (4)

  1. O projeto foi bem recebido; a implementação, no entanto, será demorada.

    The project was well received; the implementation, however, will be slow.

    Word by Word: The project was well received; the implementation, however, will be slow.

    Notice how 'no entanto' is placed between the subject and the verb, isolated by commas.

  2. Os dados são positivos. Contudo, é necessário manter a cautela.

    The data is positive. Nevertheless, it is necessary to remain cautious.

    Word by Word: The data are positive. Nevertheless, is necessary to maintain the caution.

    'Contudo' starts the sentence here to provide a strong contrast to the previous statement.

  3. Ele admitiu a culpa; todavia, recusou-se a pedir desculpas.

    He admitted guilt; yet, he refused to apologize.

    Word by Word: He admitted the guilt; yet, refused-himself to to-ask apologies.

    'Todavia' is used here in a formal, literary sense to show a contradiction in behavior.

  4. Estudou muito e, no entanto, não passou na prova.

    He studied a lot and, nevertheless, didn't pass the exam.

    Word by Word: He-studied much and, nevertheless, not passed in-the proof.

    Unlike 'mas', these connectors can be combined with the conjunction 'e' (and).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'mas' and 'no entanto' together (Pleonasm).

    Mas, no entanto, ele não chegou.
    No entanto, ele não chegou.

    Using both is redundant because they perform the same function. Choose one or the other.

  • Forgetting commas when the connector is mid-clause.

    O carro contudo quebrou.
    O carro, contudo, quebrou.

    Because these function as adverbs, they must be isolated by commas when they interrupt the natural flow of the sentence.

  • Using 'todavia' in casual conversation.

    Oi, quer ir ao cinema? Todavia, não tenho dinheiro.
    Oi, quer ir ao cinema? Mas não tenho dinheiro.

    'Todavia' is very formal/literary. In a casual text or chat, 'mas' or 'só que' is much more natural.

How It Connects

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no entanto/contudo/todaviaLevel 5However/Nevertheless

Learn This First

The connectors 'no entanto', 'contudo', and 'todavia' are formal synonyms for 'mas' (but). To use them, a learner must already understand the logic of contrast between two sentences and be familiar with basic coordinating conjunctions.

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Words in This Pattern

no entantocontudotodavia