a pesar de que
conjunctionCEFR B1
What does “a pesar de que” mean in English?
despite the fact that, although
despite the fact that, although (indicative for known facts; subjunctive for hypotheticals)
Example sentences
A pesar de que llovió durante toda la excursión, el grupo mantuvo el ánimo y disfrutó del paisaje.
Despite the fact that it rained throughout the excursion, the group kept their spirits up and enjoyed the scenery.
A pesar de que el presupuesto sea ajustado, hay varias formas de organizar un evento de calidad.
Even though the budget may be tight, there are several ways to organise a quality event.
A pesar de todo lo que pasó, seguimos siendo amigos y nos vemos con frecuencia.
Despite everything that happened, we are still friends and see each other often.
How to use it
A pesar de que means 'despite the fact that' and, like aunque, can take indicative (known fact) or subjunctive (hypothetical). In practice, a pesar de que most commonly takes indicative when conceding a known, real fact: 'A pesar de que llegó tarde, consiguió el trabajo'. It can take subjunctive when the conceded event is hypothetical or projected: 'A pesar de que haya complicaciones, seguiremos adelante'. Compare with a pesar de (preposition + noun/infinitive, no que-clause): 'A pesar de todo, fue una buena experiencia'.
Common mistake
A pesar de que (conjunction, with que-clause) vs a pesar de (preposition, with noun or infinitive). Do not drop the que: *'a pesar de que llegó' is correct; *'a pesar que llegó' is a written error (missing de). Mood choice mirrors aunque: indicative for known facts, subjunctive for hypotheticals.