aunque
/own-kay/
although
This image visualizes 'aunque' meaning 'although' or 'even though,' showing an action continuing despite a known, present obstacle (the rain).
aunque(Conjunction)
although
?introducing a known fact or obstacle
,even though
?introducing a known fact or obstacle
despite the fact that
?a more formal way to express the same idea
📝 In Action
Aunque llueve, voy a salir a caminar.
A2Even though it's raining, I'm going to go for a walk.
Me compró un regalo, aunque era mi cumpleaños.
A2He bought me a gift, although it wasn't my birthday.
Aunque el examen fue difícil, creo que aprobé.
B1Although the exam was difficult, I think I passed.
💡 Grammar Points
Stating a Real Obstacle (Using Normal Verbs)
Use 'aunque' with a normal verb form (like 'está', 'hace', 'es') to introduce a fact or a real obstacle that doesn't stop the main action. Think of it as saying, 'This thing is true, but...'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Verb Form for Facts
Mistake: "Quiero ir, aunque esté caro. (When you know for a fact the price is high)"
Correction: Say 'Quiero ir, aunque está caro.' Because you know the price is high, it's a fact. So, you use the normal verb form 'está'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Even Though' Test
If you can replace 'aunque' with 'even though' or 'despite the fact that' in English and the meaning stays the same, you're using this version of 'aunque' correctly.
This image visualizes 'aunque' meaning 'even if,' illustrating the determination to proceed with an action regardless of a potential or uncertain future obstacle.
aunque(Conjunction)
even if
?introducing a hypothetical or uncertain situation
whether or not
?less direct, but captures the uncertainty
📝 In Action
Aunque llueva mañana, saldremos a caminar.
B1Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go for a walk.
Te ayudaré aunque no me lo pidas.
B1I will help you even if you don't ask me to.
Aunque sea difícil, voy a intentarlo.
B2Even if it's difficult, I'm going to try.
💡 Grammar Points
Introducing a Possible Obstacle (Using Special Verbs)
Use 'aunque' with a special verb form (the subjunctive, like 'llueva', 'sea', 'pidas') to talk about a potential or hypothetical obstacle. It's something that might or might not happen.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using a Normal Verb for 'Even If'
Mistake: "Iré a la fiesta aunque no conozco a nadie. (When talking about a future party where you might not know anyone)"
Correction: Say 'Iré a la fiesta aunque no conozca a nadie.' Because you're talking about a future possibility, Spanish uses the special subjunctive form 'conozca'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Even If' Test
If you can replace 'aunque' with 'even if' in English, you'll almost always need to use the special subjunctive verb form after it in Spanish. This signals you're talking about a possibility, not a certainty.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aunque
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'Even if it's expensive, I'm going to buy it.' (I don't know the price yet).
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simple difference between 'aunque llueve' and 'aunque llueva'?
It's all about fact vs. possibility. 'Aunque llueve' means 'Even though it IS raining' (a fact, you can see it). 'Aunque llueva' means 'Even if it rains' (a possibility, maybe it will, maybe it won't).
Can I always just use 'a pesar de que' instead of 'aunque'?
You can often use 'a pesar de que' when you mean 'even though' (the first definition). It's a bit more formal but works well. However, it sounds less natural when you mean 'even if' (the second definition).