Even Though vs. Even If in Portuguese: Embora or Mesmo Se — Practice

Use embora for a contrast with a real fact

Embora means although or even though. In careful usage it is followed by the subjunctive, even when the situation is real. Many speakers also use mesmo que in the same role.

Use mesmo se for a hypothetical condition

Mesmo se means ‘even if’ and introduces a condition that may or may not happen. The future subjunctive is common when referring to a possible future event.

Separate the contrast from the condition

Ask whether you are describing a known fact or imagining a possible condition. A known contrast often takes embora or mesmo que; a possible future condition often takes mesmo se.

Remember: Use embora or mesmo que for ‘even though’ and mesmo se for ‘even if.’

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Even though she was tired, she finished the work.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora estivesse cansada, ela terminou o trabalho.

2. Even though it’s raining, we’re going out.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Mesmo que esteja chovendo, vamos sair.

3. Even if it rains, we’re going on the outing.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Mesmo se chover, vamos fazer o passeio.

4. I’ll try, even if I don’t have much time.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Vou tentar, mesmo se não tiver muito tempo.

5. Even though he lives far away, he arrives early.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Embora ele more longe, chega cedo.

6. Even if he lives far away, he can come by bus.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Mesmo se ele morar longe, pode vir de ônibus.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use embora or mesmo que for ‘even though’ and mesmo se for ‘even if.’

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Even Though vs. Even If in Portuguese: Embora or Mesmo Se? lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.