Inklingo

How to Say "nevertheless" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “nevertheless” is “sin embargo” — use 'sin embargo' to connect two contrasting ideas, especially when the second idea is unexpected given the first. It's a general-purpose connector for 'nevertheless' or 'however'..

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sin embargo

/em-BAR-go//emˈbaɾ.ɣo/

conjunctionA2
Use 'sin embargo' to connect two contrasting ideas, especially when the second idea is unexpected given the first. It's a general-purpose connector for 'nevertheless' or 'however'.
A friendly character walking happily on a smooth, sunny path, but encountering a large, colorful arrow that points them abruptly onto a second, contrasting path that is rocky and challenging, illustrating the concept of 'however.'

Examples

Estudié mucho; sin embargo, no aprobé el examen.

I studied a lot; however, I didn't pass the exam.

Es un buen plan. Sin embargo, hay algunos riesgos que debemos considerar.

It's a good plan. Nevertheless, there are some risks we must consider.

The 'However' Phrase: sin embargo

Think of 'sin embargo' as a fancy way to say 'but' or 'however'. It connects two ideas, where the second idea contrasts with or is an unexpected result of the first.

Don't Translate Literally

Mistake: “Thinking 'sin embargo' means 'without embargo'.”

Correction: Treat 'sin embargo' as a single, fixed phrase that means 'however'. The two words always go together to create this meaning.

no obstante

/obs-TAHN-teh//obsˈtante/

conjunctionB2formal
Choose 'no obstante' when you want to introduce a contrasting point in a more formal or literary context, similar to 'nonetheless' or 'nevertheless'.
A small bird singing cheerfully while standing in a gentle rain shower under a dark cloud.

Examples

Hacía mucho frío; no obstante, salimos a caminar.

It was very cold; nevertheless, we went out for a walk.

El examen fue difícil. No obstante, todos los alumnos aprobaron.

The exam was difficult. However, all the students passed.

No obstante los problemas iniciales, el proyecto fue un éxito.

Despite the initial problems, the project was a success.

The Power of 'No'

Even though the dictionary entry is for 'obstante,' you will almost always use it with the word 'no' right before it. Think of 'no obstante' as one single block that means 'however.'

Using Punctuation

When you use this to connect two sentences, it's common to put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.

Forgetting the 'No'

Mistake: “Using 'obstante' by itself to mean 'however.'”

Correction: Always say 'no obstante' when you want to show a contrast between two ideas.

todavía

toh-dah-BEE-ah/toðaˈβia/

adverbB2
Use 'todavía' when you want to emphasize that something is true despite a previous statement, often implying 'even more so' or 'even better', rather than a direct contrast.
A stack of three large, heavy-looking storybooks balanced perfectly, with a single, tiny, delicate feather resting on the very top book, emphasizing the addition of the feather.

Examples

Es una casa hermosa, y todavía mejor, tiene piscina.

It's a beautiful house, and even better, it has a pool.

Es una casa hermosa, y todavia mejor, tiene piscina.

It's a beautiful house, and even better, it has a pool.

Estaba cansado, pero todavia tenía que terminar el informe.

He was tired, but nevertheless, he had to finish the report.

Emphasis vs. Time

When 'todavia' means 'even' or 'nevertheless', it often relates two contrasting ideas, rather than focusing on the continuation of time.

Confusing 'sin embargo' with 'todavía'

Learners often mistakenly use 'todavía' when they mean 'sin embargo'. Remember that 'todavía' usually implies 'still' or 'even more', not a direct contrast. Reserve 'sin embargo' for true 'nevertheless' or 'however' situations.

Related Translations

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