Ainda Assim in Portuguese: Say ‘Even So’ or ‘Still’ — Practice

Use ainda assim to continue despite a limitation

Ainda assim means even so, still, or nevertheless. The phrase acknowledges a condition and then says that the next action, opinion, or result remains valid.

It is different from ainda used alone to mean still or yet. In ainda assim, the full expression connects one idea to another.

Compare it with mas and no entanto

Mas is a direct everyday but. No entanto is a more formal connector for however. Ainda assim puts extra focus on continuing or holding to a point despite what you just acknowledged.

The meaning depends on both clauses. Use the expression that best describes the relationship between the difficulty and the decision that follows.

Put the concession where the contrast is clear

At the beginning of a sentence, ainda assim is often followed by a comma. It can also appear after the subject or later in the clause, depending on emphasis.

Avoid using it when the second idea is simply additional information. A contrast or obstacle should be understandable from the surrounding sentences.

Remember: Use ainda assim when you acknowledge a challenge but want to show that it does not change the next point.

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. The route is long. Even so, I want to walk.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O caminho é longo. Ainda assim, quero ir a pé.

2. Even so, we can try a simpler solution.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ainda assim, podemos tentar uma solução mais simples.

3. It is raining, but we are going out.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Está chovendo, mas vamos sair.

4. It is raining. Even so, we are going out for a walk.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Está chovendo. Ainda assim, vamos sair para caminhar.

5. The meeting was difficult. Even so, the team reached an agreement.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A reunião foi difícil. Ainda assim, a equipe chegou a um acordo.

6. They decided to take part in the project despite that.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Eles ainda assim decidiram participar do projeto.

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 ainda assim when you acknowledge a challenge but want to show that it does not change the next point.

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 Ainda Assim in Portuguese: Say ‘Even So’ or ‘Still’ 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.