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How to Say "although" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aunque

own-kayˈau̯n.ke

conjunctionA2general
Use 'aunque' when introducing a fact or obstacle that doesn't prevent the main clause from happening, similar to 'even though' or 'although'.
A cheerful person walking down a path under a heavy rain shower, holding a bright umbrella, demonstrating that the rain did not stop their walk.

Examples

Aunque llueve, voy a salir a caminar.

Even though it's raining, I'm going to go for a walk.

Me compró un regalo, aunque era mi cumpleaños.

He bought me a gift, although it wasn't my birthday.

Aunque el examen fue difícil, creo que aprobé.

Although the exam was difficult, I think I passed.

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...'.

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'.

siquiera

see-KYEH-rahsiˈkjeɾa

conjunctionC1general
Use 'siquiera' to concede a point, implying 'even if' or 'even though' in a more emphatic or slightly less common way, often when the action in the main clause is expected despite the condition.
A massive, thick stone castle gate remains completely closed and unmoving while a dramatic, powerful storm of wind and rain rages outside.

Examples

No te creeré, siquiera me lo jures.

I won't believe you, even if you swear it to me.

Debemos respetar su decisión, siquiera no estemos de acuerdo.

We must respect their decision, although we may not agree.

Connecting 'Even If' Ideas

This advanced use of 'siquiera' connects two ideas. The first part is a statement, and the second part (after 'siquiera') is a condition that won't change that statement. It almost always needs a special verb form (the subjunctive) after it.

Choosing between 'aunque' and 'siquiera'

Learners often use 'siquiera' when 'aunque' would be more natural. Remember that 'aunque' is the go-to translation for 'although' in most contexts. Reserve 'siquiera' for situations where you're conceding a point emphatically, often with a sense of disbelief or resignation.

Related Translations

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