What's the difference between 'a pesar de' and 'aunque'?

While both introduce concessive clauses, 'a pesar de' is a preposition that takes a noun or infinitive (or 'que' + clause), emphasizing the obstacle, whereas 'aunque' (although/even though) is a conjunction that directly connects two clauses and feels less formal in everyday conversation.

Can I use 'a pesar de' at the end of a sentence?

Unlike English where 'despite' typically comes at the beginning or middle, 'a pesar de' in Spanish almost always introduces the concessive element at the beginning of the clause or sentence, and placing it at the end would sound unnatural to native speakers.

Is 'no obstante' the same as 'a pesar de'?

They serve different grammatical functions despite similar meanings: 'a pesar de' is a preposition requiring a complement ('a pesar de todo'), while 'no obstante' functions as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'nevertheless' and typically connects two independent clauses rather than modifying a noun phrase.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Despite in Spanish

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

A Pesar De · preposition · ah peh-SAHR deh

Despite translates to Spanish as 'a pesar de,' a prepositional phrase meaning 'in spite of.' It's used to introduce a contrasting circumstance that doesn't prevent the main action from occurring. When followed by a verb, it requires the infinitive or a clause with 'que' plus subjunctive.

Pronounce it as three separate words: ah peh-SAHR deh. The stress falls on the second syllable of 'pesar.' In rapid speech, it may sound like 'apesarde' run together.

A pesar de la lluvia, salimos a caminar.

Despite the rain, we went out for a walk.

Despite in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for despite, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
a pesar de	despite	ah peh-SAHR deh	Default, widely understood
pese a	despite		formal/literary
no obstante	despite		formal, closer to 'nevertheless'

How Native Speakers Use A Pesar De

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Overcoming obstacles

A pesar de sus dificultades económicas, logró graduarse.

Despite her financial difficulties, she managed to graduate.

Introducing a hardship that was overcome, followed by a noun phrase.

With a verb clause

A pesar de que estaba cansado, terminó el proyecto.

Despite being tired, he finished the project.

When followed by a conjugated verb, use 'a pesar de que' plus indicative for factual statements.

Formal alternative

Pese a las críticas, el director mantuvo su decisión.

Despite the criticism, the director maintained his decision.

Using 'pese a' as a more formal or journalistic alternative.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using A Pesar De

Omitting 'de' after 'a pesar'

Incorrect: A pesar la lluvia, fuimos al parque.

Correct: A pesar de la lluvia, fuimos al parque.

The complete construction requires 'de' — 'a pesar de' is a fixed three-word prepositional phrase, and omitting 'de' is grammatically incorrect.

Using indicative instead of subjunctive after 'a pesar de que'

Incorrect: A pesar de que llueve mañana, iremos.

Correct: A pesar de que llueva mañana, iremos.

When 'a pesar de que' introduces a hypothetical or future situation, the subjunctive mood is required. The indicative is only correct for established facts.

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Why word lists alone don't stick

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See A Pesar De used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using a pesar de in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear A pesar de la lluvia, salimos a caminar. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Despite in Spanish

What's the difference between 'a pesar de' and 'aunque'?: While both introduce concessive clauses, 'a pesar de' is a preposition that takes a noun or infinitive (or 'que' + clause), emphasizing the obstacle, whereas 'aunque' (although/even though) is a conjunction that directly connects two clauses and feels less formal in everyday conversation.
Can I use 'a pesar de' at the end of a sentence?: Unlike English where 'despite' typically comes at the beginning or middle, 'a pesar de' in Spanish almost always introduces the concessive element at the beginning of the clause or sentence, and placing it at the end would sound unnatural to native speakers.
Is 'no obstante' the same as 'a pesar de'?: They serve different grammatical functions despite similar meanings: 'a pesar de' is a preposition requiring a complement ('a pesar de todo'), while 'no obstante' functions as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'nevertheless' and typically connects two independent clauses rather than modifying a noun phrase.