How do you say even though in Spanish?

Even though is aunque (OWN-keh). It works for both 'even though' (confirmed fact → indicative) and 'even if' (hypothetical → subjunctive). A pesar de que is a more formal synonym.

When do I use indicative vs. subjunctive after aunque?

Use indicative when the clause states something you know is true: Aunque está cansado, sigue trabajando (Even though he's tired, he keeps working — he IS tired). Use subjunctive when it's hypothetical or uncertain: Aunque esté cansado, seguirá trabajando (Even if he's tired, he'll keep working — maybe he will be, maybe not).

Can aunque start a sentence in Spanish?

Yes, and it commonly does. 'Aunque no me creas, es verdad' (Even though you don't believe me, it's true). You can also place it mid-sentence: 'Voy a ir, aunque esté lloviendo.'

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Even Though in Spanish: Aunque — Indicative vs. Subjunctive

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

Aunque · conjunction · OWN-keh

Even though in Spanish is aunque (OWN-keh), a versatile conjunction meaning 'even though,' 'although,' or 'even if.' The critical nuance is mood: aunque + indicative states a known fact ('Aunque está lloviendo, salimos' — Even though it's raining, we're going out), while aunque + subjunctive presents a hypothetical ('Aunque llueva, saldremos' — Even if it rains, we'll go out). Mastering this distinction is a major step in intermediate Spanish.

OWN-keh — two syllables, stress on the first. The au is a diphthong sounding like 'ow' in 'cow.' The que is a quick, unstressed 'keh.'

Aunque llueva, vamos a ir al parque.

Even though it rains, we're going to go to the park.

Even Though in Spanish: Quick Reference

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

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
aunque	even though	OWN-keh	Default, widely understood
a pesar de que	even though		despite the fact that (formal)
si bien	even though		although / even if (literary)

How Native Speakers Use Aunque

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

Known fact (indicative)

Aunque tengo mucho trabajo, siempre encuentro tiempo para leer.

Even though I have a lot of work, I always find time to read.

Indicative (tengo) because the speaker knows it's a fact that they have a lot of work.

Hypothetical (subjunctive)

Aunque me ofrecieran el doble de sueldo, no aceptaría ese puesto.

Even if they offered me double the salary, I wouldn't accept that position.

Subjunctive (ofrecieran) because the offer is hypothetical, not something that has actually happened.

Concession with past tense

Aunque estudió toda la noche, no aprobó el examen.

Even though she studied all night, she didn't pass the exam.

Indicative preterite (estudió) because the studying actually happened — it's a confirmed past event.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Aunque

Always using subjunctive after aunque

Incorrect: Aunque tenga hambre, no voy a comer. (when you ARE hungry right now)

Correct: Aunque tengo hambre, no voy a comer.

If you're stating a fact (you are indeed hungry), use indicative. Subjunctive after aunque implies uncertainty or hypothesis. Using subjunctive here would mean 'even if I were hungry' (but maybe I'm not).

Confusing aunque with sin embargo

Incorrect: Aunque, decidí quedarme en casa. (starting a sentence as a standalone transition)

Correct: Sin embargo, decidí quedarme en casa.

Aunque introduces a dependent clause and needs a full clause after it. For a standalone 'however' or 'nevertheless' transition, use sin embargo or no obstante.

Lock in Even Though Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Aunque used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using aunque in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Aunque llueva, vamos a ir al parque. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Even Though in Spanish

How do you say even though in Spanish?: Even though is aunque (OWN-keh). It works for both 'even though' (confirmed fact → indicative) and 'even if' (hypothetical → subjunctive). A pesar de que is a more formal synonym.
When do I use indicative vs. subjunctive after aunque?: Use indicative when the clause states something you know is true: Aunque está cansado, sigue trabajando (Even though he's tired, he keeps working — he IS tired). Use subjunctive when it's hypothetical or uncertain: Aunque esté cansado, seguirá trabajando (Even if he's tired, he'll keep working — maybe he will be, maybe not).
Can aunque start a sentence in Spanish?: Yes, and it commonly does. 'Aunque no me creas, es verdad' (Even though you don't believe me, it's true). You can also place it mid-sentence: 'Voy a ir, aunque esté lloviendo.'