Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Though in Spanish: Aunque
Aunque · conjunction · ah-OON-keh
Though in Spanish is aunque, a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting or concessive clause. It can mean 'though,' 'although,' or 'even though.' For sentence-level contrast, sin embargo (however) is also used.
Aunque is pronounced ah-OON-keh, with the stress on the second syllable. The au combination forms a diphthong similar to the 'ow' in 'ouch.'
Aunque estaba cansado, terminó todo el trabajo.
Though he was tired, he finished all the work.
Though in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for though, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| aunque | though | ah-OON-keh | Default, widely understood |
| sin embargo | though | however, used as a sentence connector | |
| no obstante | though | formal, nevertheless |
How Native Speakers Use Aunque
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Concession in daily life
Aunque llueva, vamos a ir a la playa.
Even though it rains, we're going to the beach.
Expressing determination despite unfavorable conditions.
Contrast between ideas
Es un trabajo difícil, aunque bien pagado.
It's a difficult job, though well-paid.
Balancing a negative with a positive aspect.
Formal alternative
El proyecto tiene riesgos; sin embargo, vale la pena intentarlo.
The project has risks; however, it's worth trying.
Using a more formal connector in a business presentation.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Aunque
Using pero instead of aunque
Incorrect: Pero estaba lloviendo, salimos.
Correct: Aunque estaba lloviendo, salimos.
Pero means 'but' and connects two main clauses, while aunque means 'though' or 'although' and introduces a subordinate concessive clause.
Misusing subjunctive after aunque
Incorrect: Aunque tengo hambre, no como. (hypothetical)
Correct: Aunque tenga hambre, no comeré.
When aunque introduces a hypothetical or uncertain situation, it requires the subjunctive mood (tenga), not the indicative (tengo).
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See Aunque used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Though in Spanish
- How do you say though in Spanish?
- The most direct translation is aunque (ah-OON-keh), which covers 'though,' 'although,' and 'even though' in all dialects of Spanish.
- When do I use the subjunctive after aunque?
- Use the subjunctive after aunque when the clause expresses something hypothetical, uncertain, or not yet confirmed, and the indicative when the clause states a known fact.
- What is the difference between aunque and sin embargo?
- Aunque is a conjunction used within a sentence to introduce a concessive clause, while sin embargo is an adverbial phrase meaning 'however' that typically begins a new sentence or clause.