Concessive Conjunctions: aunque, a pesar de que, si bien

Spanish: Conjunciones concesivas: aunque, a pesar de que, si bien

Level: B1 Intermediate

Category: conjunctions

Explanation

Concessive conjunctions are used to express an objection or obstacle that, nevertheless, does not prevent the main action from happening. In Spanish, the most common are "aunque", "a pesar de que", and "si bien". They roughly correspond to "although", "even though", or "even if" in English. Their function is to introduce a contrast: they present something that would normally block a result, but the result happens anyway. The most frequently used conjunction is "aunque", and it has a very important feature: it can be followed by the indicative or the subjunctive, and the mood changes the meaning. When we use the indicative, we present the obstacle as a real, known fact ("Aunque llueve, salgo" = I know it is raining). When we use the subjunctive, we present the obstacle as hypothetical, possible, or unverified ("Aunque llueva, salgo" = maybe it will rain, I am not sure). This distinction is key at the B1 level. "A pesar de que" works very similarly to "aunque" and also takes the indicative or subjunctive depending on whether the fact is real or hypothetical. It is somewhat more emphatic and formal. There is also the form "a pesar de" + noun or infinitive, without "que" ("a pesar de la lluvia", "a pesar de llover"), very common in written language. "Si bien" is a more refined conjunction, typical of written or formal language. It is always built with the indicative and never with the subjunctive. It introduces a concession recognized as real: "Si bien el hotel es caro, vale la pena". It should not be confused with the conditional conjunction "si" (if).

Examples

• Aunque el café está caliente, me lo tomo ahora. - Although the coffee is hot, I will drink it now.
• Aunque esté lleno, voy a intentar reservar una mesa. - Even if it is full, I will try to book a table.
• A pesar de que el hotel es caro, la habitación vale la pena. - Even though the hotel is expensive, the room is worth it.
• A pesar del precio, voy a comprar el jamón. - Despite the price, I am going to buy the ham.
• Si bien el museo es pequeño, tiene obras muy importantes. - Although the museum is small, it has very important works.