Nada obstante
Notwithstanding
Wörtlich: Nothing withstanding
Use it to sound highly educated when introducing a counter-argument in formal or academic settings.
In 15 Sekunden
- A very formal way to say 'nevertheless' or 'even so'.
- Used primarily in writing, legal contexts, or high-level speeches.
- Connects two opposing ideas with a touch of intellectual elegance.
Bedeutung
This is a sophisticated way to say 'nevertheless' or 'despite that'. It allows you to acknowledge a specific fact while moving forward with a contrasting point or action.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A formal business decision
O investimento é alto. Nada obstante, os benefícios são claros.
The investment is high. Notwithstanding, the benefits are clear.
Texting a friend ironically
Estou sem dinheiro. Nada obstante, vou comprar essa pizza.
I have no money. Notwithstanding, I am buying this pizza.
A legal or academic argument
A prova é circunstancial; nada obstante, é muito convincente.
The evidence is circumstantial; notwithstanding, it is very convincing.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Originating from the Latin 'non obstante', this expression is a staple of the 'Língua Culta' (educated language) in the Lusophone world. It is particularly beloved by lawyers and academics who enjoy the precision of classical transitions. While it feels archaic to some, it remains a powerful tool for rhetoric in Portuguese politics and literature.
The Punctuation Rule
Always follow `Nada obstante` with a comma when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the contrast.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a single email makes you sound like a 17th-century ghost. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
In 15 Sekunden
- A very formal way to say 'nevertheless' or 'even so'.
- Used primarily in writing, legal contexts, or high-level speeches.
- Connects two opposing ideas with a touch of intellectual elegance.
What It Means
It acts like a sophisticated bridge between two conflicting ideas. You use it to show that one fact doesn't stop another. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a tuxedo to a conversation. It signals that you are about to provide a counterpoint. Think of it as a very fancy version of mas or porém.
How To Use It
Place it at the start of a sentence or after a semicolon. It usually requires a comma immediately after it. You can use it to link two independent clauses. It functions as a transition word for high-level arguments. It tells your listener that the previous point is noted but secondary.
When To Use It
Save this for formal writing like legal documents or essays. It is perfect for high-stakes business meetings or speeches. Use it when you want to sound incredibly precise and educated. It works well in academic debates or serious journalism. You can also use it ironically with friends to sound dramatic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while ordering a beer at a bar. Avoid it in casual texts unless you are being funny. It sounds too stiff for a relaxed family dinner. If you use it with a toddler, they will be confused. It is definitely not for quick, everyday small talk.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Latin and legal traditions. In Portugal and Brazil, it marks you as someone with high literacy. It reflects the Portuguese appreciation for formal, rhythmic sentence structures. It has survived centuries of linguistic evolution without losing its prestige. It is a hallmark of the 'Culto' or educated register.
Common Variations
The most frequent twin is não obstante, which is slightly more common. You will also see contudo or todavia in similar spots. Apesar disso is the everyday version everyone actually uses. Malgrado is another rare, formal alternative for the truly adventurous.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a C2-level expression. It belongs to the 'high register' of the language. Using it correctly will impress native speakers, but using it in the wrong context (like a casual party) will make you sound out of touch.
The Punctuation Rule
Always follow `Nada obstante` with a comma when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the contrast.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a single email makes you sound like a 17th-century ghost. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
The 'Não' Alternative
In modern Brazil, `Não obstante` is actually more common than `Nada obstante`. They mean the exact same thing, so feel free to swap them.
Beispiele
6O investimento é alto. Nada obstante, os benefícios são claros.
The investment is high. Notwithstanding, the benefits are clear.
Used here to justify a cost by highlighting the payoff.
Estou sem dinheiro. Nada obstante, vou comprar essa pizza.
I have no money. Notwithstanding, I am buying this pizza.
The formal phrase creates a funny contrast with the casual topic.
A prova é circunstancial; nada obstante, é muito convincente.
The evidence is circumstantial; notwithstanding, it is very convincing.
Shows a high level of precision in a debate.
Tivemos problemas. Nada obstante, ainda confio em você.
We had problems. Notwithstanding, I still trust you.
Adds a weight of seriousness and maturity to the statement.
O tempo está péssimo. Nada obstante, o voo partirá no horário.
The weather is terrible. Notwithstanding, the flight will depart on time.
Common in official announcements or formal news.
Agradeço o convite. Nada obstante, não poderei comparecer.
I appreciate the invitation. Notwithstanding, I will not be able to attend.
A very polite, almost old-fashioned way to say no.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the most appropriate word to complete this formal sentence.
A empresa enfrenta desafios; ___, os lucros continuam a crescer.
'Nada obstante' fits the formal tone of a business report discussing profits and challenges.
Which phrase creates a humorous, overly-formal effect here?
Estou com muito sono. ___, vou maratonar a série.
Using such a high-level phrase for a casual activity like binge-watching creates a funny, dramatic effect.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'But'
Used with friends and family.
Mas
Standard professional communication.
Porém
Serious writing and speeches.
Contudo
Legal, academic, or ironic usage.
Nada obstante
Where to use Nada Obstante
Courtroom
Presenting a counter-argument to a judge.
Academic Thesis
Connecting two complex sociological theories.
Sarcastic Text
Telling a friend you're eating cake while on a diet.
Boardroom
Discussing risks versus rewards in a merger.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenRarely. You might hear it in a formal lecture or a legal trial, but in daily life, people use mas or apesar disso.
There is no difference in meaning. Não obstante is slightly more frequent in modern usage, while Nada obstante feels a bit more classical.
No, it is a connective phrase. It must sit between two ideas, usually at the start of the second one, like Nada obstante, ele foi.
In a casual setting, yes. In a formal document or a university essay, it is considered 'correct' and 'elegant'.
No. Unlike embora, which triggers the subjunctive, nada obstante is usually followed by the indicative mood, like Nada obstante, ele sabe a verdade.
Yes, if the email is about a serious topic. It shows you have a high command of the language.
The most common synonym is no entanto or porém. For very casual speech, just use mas.
It is used in both, but Portuguese academic writing tends to favor these classical structures slightly more than Brazilian colloquial writing.
Yes, you can say Nada obstante os problemas... (Notwithstanding the problems...). In this case, it means 'despite'.
Grammatically, it can function as both a conjunction and a prepositional phrase depending on how it is placed in the sentence.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Não obstante
Notwithstanding / Nevertheless
Todavia
However / Yet
Contudo
Nonetheless
Apesar de
Despite / In spite of
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