What Does “A Pesar De” Mean?
“A pesar de” is a Spanish prepositional phrase that translates to “in spite of” or “despite” in English. It introduces an idea that contrasts with or opposes the main clause, showing that something happens even though there is an obstacle or reason it might not happen.
How to Use “A Pesar De” in Sentences
Understanding how to use “a pesar de” is crucial for expressing contrast in Spanish. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your sentences:
1. Followed by a Noun or Pronoun
Most commonly, “a pesar de” is followed by a noun or pronoun. For example:
- A pesar de la lluvia, fuimos al parque. (In spite of the rain, we went to the park.)
- A pesar de sus consejos, cometí el error. (Despite his advice, I made the mistake.)
2. Followed by an Infinitive
When followed by a verb, “a pesar de” must use the infinitive form:
- A pesar de trabajar mucho, no consiguió el ascenso. (Despite working a lot, he didn’t get the promotion.)
3. Followed by “que” + Verb Clause
If you want to use a full clause (subject + verb) after “a pesar de,” you need to add “que”:
- A pesar de que llovía, fuimos al parque. (Even though it was raining, we went to the park.)
- A pesar de que no tenía dinero, viajó por el mundo. (Even though he had no money, he traveled the world.)
Common Mistakes with “A Pesar De”
Many Spanish learners make mistakes when using this expression. Here are some tips to avoid them:
- Do not use “que” after “a pesar de” unless it’s followed by a full clause. For example, “A pesar de que” is correct before a subject + verb, but not before a noun or infinitive.
- Don’t forget the “de” – it’s an essential part of the phrase. “A pesar la lluvia” is incorrect; it must be “A pesar de la lluvia.”
- Use the infinitive, not the conjugated verb, when “a pesar de” is followed by a verb. For example, “A pesar de estudiar” (not “A pesar de estudia”).
Examples of “A Pesar De” in Context
Here are more examples to help you see how “a pesar de” is used in everyday Spanish:
- A pesar de su edad, corre maratones. (Despite his age, he runs marathons.)
- A pesar de que estaba cansada, terminó el proyecto. (Even though she was tired, she finished the project.)
- A pesar de las dificultades, lograron el objetivo. (Despite the difficulties, they achieved the goal.)
Practice Tips with Talkpal
To master “a pesar de,” practice creating your own sentences and try them out in conversation. Talkpal offers interactive AI-driven exercises and real-life dialogues to help reinforce your understanding and correct your mistakes instantly. Consistent practice will help you use this expression naturally and confidently.
Summary
“A pesar de” is a versatile and essential phrase for expressing contrast and opposition in Spanish. Remember to use it with a noun, pronoun, or infinitive, and use “a pesar de que” before a full clause. With regular practice, especially with resources like Talkpal, you’ll soon use “a pesar de” accurately in any conversation. Keep learning and exploring new expressions to boost your Spanish fluency!
