Expressing Contrast in Spanish with 'a pesar de' + Noun or Infinitive
Learn to use 'a pesar de' with nouns and infinitives to express contrast, and see how it differs from 'aunque' clauses.
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In Spanish, one common way to express contrast is with the phrase 'a pesar de', which means 'despite' or 'in spite of'. Unlike 'aunque', which introduces a full clause with a conjugated verb, 'a pesar de' is a prepositional phrase that is followed by a noun or an infinitive. This lesson teaches you to form contrast sentences such as 'A pesar de la lluvia, salimos' (Despite the rain, we went out). You will learn the pattern, when to use it, and how it differs from 'aunque'.
By the end, you can…
- use 'a pesar de' with a noun to express contrast.
- use 'a pesar de' with an infinitive to express contrast.
- distinguish between 'a pesar de' and 'aunque' in sentences.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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A pesar de la lluvia, salimos.
Despite the rain, we went out.
ah peh-SAR deh lah YOO-byah, sah-LEE-mohs
Uses 'a pesar de' + noun. Common in everyday speech.
A pesar del tráfico, llegamos a tiempo.
In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time.
ah peh-SAR del TRAH-fee-koh, yeh-GAH-mohs ah TYEM-poh
'del' is the contraction of 'de' + 'el'. Used with masculine singular nouns.
A pesar de estudiar mucho, no pasó el examen.
Despite studying a lot, he didn't pass the exam.
ah peh-SAR deh es-too-DYAR MOO-choh, noh pah-SOH el ek-SAH-men
'a pesar de' + infinitive. The subject is understood from context.
A pesar de ser tarde, fuimos al cine.
Despite being late, we went to the movies.
ah peh-SAR deh sehr TAR-deh, FWEE-mohs al SEE-neh
'a pesar de' + infinitive 'ser'. Expresses contrast with an action.
A pesar de todo, seguimos adelante.
In spite of everything, we kept going.
ah peh-SAR deh TOH-doh, seh-GEE-mohs ah-deh-LAHN-teh
'a pesar de todo' is a set phrase meaning 'in spite of everything'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The structure is: 'a pesar de' + noun or infinitive, followed by the main clause. For example: 'A pesar del calor, trabajamos' (Despite the heat, we worked). With an infinitive: 'A pesar de llegar tarde, entramos' (Despite arriving late, we went in). Note that 'de' contracts with 'el' to form 'del', but not with 'la', 'los', or 'las'.
When to use it
Use 'a pesar de' when you want to contrast a situation with a noun (like 'la lluvia', 'el tráfico') or an action (infinitive). It often appears at the beginning of a sentence. For example: 'A pesar de la crisis, el negocio creció' (Despite the crisis, the business grew). In contrast, 'aunque' requires a conjugated verb: 'Aunque llovía, salimos' (Although it was raining, we went out).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
¿Fuiste a la fiesta a pesar del cansancio?
Did you go to the party despite being tired?¿FWEE-steh ah lah FYES-tah ah peh-SAR del kahn-SAHN-syoh?Sí, a pesar de estar cansado, fui.
Yes, despite being tired, I went.see, ah peh-SAR deh es-TAR kahn-SAH-doh, fwee¡Qué bien! A pesar de todo, te divertiste.
How nice! In spite of everything, you had fun.keh byehn, ah peh-SAR deh TOH-doh, teh dee-vehr-TEES-tehSí, aunque llegué tarde, valió la pena.
Yes, although I arrived late, it was worth it.see, AWN-keh yeh-GEH TAR-deh, bah-LYOH lah PEH-nahA little context goes a long way
'A pesar de' is widely used in both formal and informal contexts across the Spanish-speaking world, including Latin America and Spain. In addition to 'a pesar de' + noun or infinitive, the variant 'a pesar de que' is used with a conjugated verb, similar to 'aunque', but 'a pesar de' + noun/infinitive is more concise. In casual speech, 'a pesar de' may be pronounced quickly, but it remains clear.
One thing to watch for
Using 'a pesar de' with a conjugated verb, as in 'A pesar de llueve, salimos.'
Try this instead: Use 'aunque' with a conjugated verb: 'Aunque llueve, salimos.' Or use 'a pesar de' with a noun or infinitive: 'A pesar de la lluvia, salimos' or 'A pesar de llover, salimos.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Translate: 'Despite the noise, we studied.'
Show a sample answer
A pesar del ruido, estudiamos.
'A pesar de' + noun 'el ruido' contracts to 'del'. The main clause follows. Alternative: 'A pesar de que había ruido, estudiamos' is also correct but uses a clause.
2Combine with 'a pesar de': 'Tengo poco tiempo. Voy al gimnasio.'
Show a sample answer
A pesar de tener poco tiempo, voy al gimnasio.
Use 'a pesar de' + infinitive 'tener'. The subject 'yo' is understood. Alternative: 'A pesar de que tengo poco tiempo, voy al gimnasio' is also valid.
3Which is correct: 'A pesar de que llueve, salimos' or 'A pesar de llueve, salimos'?
Show a sample answer
A pesar de que llueve, salimos.
'A pesar de que' introduces a clause with a conjugated verb. Without 'que', 'a pesar de' must be followed by a noun or infinitive. So 'A pesar de llover, salimos' is also correct.
Use 'a pesar de' + noun or infinitive to express 'despite' or 'in spite of'. Remember to contract 'de' + 'el' to 'del', and don't use a conjugated verb directly after 'a pesar de' unless you add 'que'.
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