Spanish 6.5. Use of “Aunque,” “Si Bien,” and “A Pesar de”

In this lesson, we discuss the differences in the use of “aunque,” “si bien,” and “a pesar de” in Spanish, meaning “although,” “despite,” or “even though.”

“Aunque” & “Si Bien”

 “Aunque” and “si bien” convey the same meaning of “although” or “even though” if followed by the indicative. Consider the following examples:

Aunque/Si bien no quiero comer, iré al café contigo.	Although I don’t want to eat, I will go to the café with you.
Aunque/Si bien hice mucho ejercicio, no bajé de peso.	Even though I exercised a lot, I didn’t lose weight.

On the other hand, “aunque” conveys the meaning of “even if” when followed by the subjunctive. Here are some examples:

Aunque no quiera comer, iré al café contigo.	Even if I don’t want to eat, I will go to the café with you.
Aunque haga mucho ejercicio, no bajo de peso.	Even if I exercise a lot, I don’t lose weight.

Notice that only “aunque,” and not “si bien,” can be used in these examples, followed by the subjunctive. “Si bien” can only be followed by the indicative mood.

“A Pesar de”

“A pesar de” means “despite” or “in spite of.” It can be used in one of three formulas:

1. A pesar de + Infinitive, for example:

A pesar de estar cansado, quiero salir con mis amigos.

In spite of being tired, I want to go out with my friends.

2. A pesar de + Noun, for example:

A pesar de las advertencias, Ana sigue fumando.

Despite the warnings, Ana continues to smoke.

3. A pesar de que + Indicative Tense, for example:

A pesar de que estoy triste, voy a celebrar mi cumpleaños.

Despite the fact that I am sad, I will celebrate my birthday.

Next: Verbs of Change

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