Mesmo assim

Using this phrase is incredibly simple. You can place it right at the start of a sentence to respond to someone. You can also use it after a comma to link two opposing ideas. It acts like a pivot point in your conversation. For example, "It’s raining. Mesmo assim, I’m going for a run." You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. It doesn't change the verbs around it. It just sits there, providing a strong contrast. It’s like the "nevertheless" of the Portuguese world, but much friendlier and more common in daily speech.

Use it when you’re being a bit stubborn or persistent. It’s perfect for when you’re warned about something but proceed anyway. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter says a dish is incredibly spicy. You say mesmo assim and order it anyway. Use it in a business meeting to acknowledge a risk while pushing your proposal. It shows you are realistic but determined. It’s also great for texting when you’re making plans despite obstacles. If the bus is late, tell your friend you’ll get there mesmo assim. It adds a layer of commitment to your speech.

Don’t use it for simple additions. It is not a replacement for e (and). If there is no conflict between your two points, skip it. For instance, "I like apples and mesmo assim I like pears" sounds very strange. It implies that liking apples should somehow stop you from liking pears. Also, avoid using it to start a brand-new topic out of thin air. It always needs a previous context to bounce off of. If you walk into a room and just say mesmo assim, people will be very confused and wait for the first half of your sentence.

Portuguese speakers have a certain "teimosia" or stubbornness that we actually find quite charming. We love to persevere against the odds. This phrase captures that "against all hope" spirit perfectly. Whether it’s navigating slow bureaucracy or a rainy day in Lisbon, we keep going. It’s a very common phrase in both Portugal and Brazil, showing a universal linguistic trait. It reflects a culture that acknowledges difficulties but doesn't let them stop the flow of life. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a determined nod. You’ll hear it in emotional Fado songs and at loud, chaotic Sunday family lunches alike.

If you want to sound a bit more formal or literary, try ainda assim. It means the exact same thing but has a slightly more polished edge. In formal writing, you might see no entanto or contudo. These are the "fancy cousins" of our phrase. For a more casual vibe, some people use apesar disso (despite that). In Brazil, you might occasionally hear mesmo com tudo isso. But for daily life, mesmo assim is your best friend. It’s the most natural way to express that "even so" feeling without sounding like you're reading from an old 19th-century novel.