“Aunque” in Spanish – Meaning and Use

Welcome 😊 to our grammar lesson on the Spanish word aunque.

aunque is one of the most frequent connectors in Spanish. In this lesson, we will explain its meaning and use, with example sentences.

At the end you’ll find a Quiz and an Exercise to practice.

Meaning and use of “aunque”

aunque is a conjunction that introduces a partial obstacle, despite which an action occurs.

Its possible meanings in English are:

• although
• even though
• even if

Aunque él tiene poco tiempo, siempre juega con nosotros.
Although he has little time, he always plays with us.

Aunque él tenga poco tiempo, jugará con nosotros.
Even if he has little time, he will play with us.

Pay attention to the sentences above. Why is the verb form “tiene” in the first sentence, but “tenga” in the second one? We will explain that next.

Using “aunque” as although or even though

When aunque means although or even though, the next verb in the sentence is conjugated in a tense of the Indicative Mood:

Marcos es muy simpático, aunque a veces grita.
Marcos is very nice, although sometimes he yells. (“grita” is Present Indicative)

Aunque no estudié mucho, aprobé el examen.
Even though I didn’t study a lot, I passed the test. (“estudié” is Preterite Indicative)

Using “aunque” as even if

When aunque means even if, the next verb in the sentence is conjugated in a tense of the Subjunctive Mood:

Aunque seas malo, no te castigaré.
Even if you are bad, I won’t punish you. (“seas” is Present Subjunctive)

Iríamos a la playa aunque hiciera frío.
We would go to the beach even if it was cold. (“hiciera” is Imperfect Subjunctive)

Conclusion

Any time we want to translate although, even though or even if into Spanish, we can use aunque.

We just need to think whether the next verb in the sentence should be in Indicative or Subjunctive Mood.

Practice

Quiz

Take this short Quiz about “aunque”:

Exercise

The following sentences include the word “aunque”. Fill the gaps choosing between the verb forms in brackets (the first option is in Present Indicative and the second option in Present Subjunctive).

Click on the gray spaces to see the solutions:

1) Aunque llueve , voy a ir a la playa. (llueve / llueva)
Even though it’s raining, I’m going to the beach.

2) Aunque llueva , voy a ir a la playa. (llueve / llueva)
Even if it’s raining, I’m going to the beach.


3) Aunque el libro es caro, tengo que comprarlo. (es / sea)
Although the book is expensive, I have to buy it.

4) Aunque el libro sea caro, tengo que comprarlo. (es / sea)
Even if the book is expensive, I have to buy it.