Contrast
Which ideas differ or go against what we expect?
Significado
Contrast links ideas that differ or go against what we would expect. It can set two facts side by side or show that something happens despite an obstacle. Languages may use linking words, word order, or stress, and some have no dedicated contrast marker. Contrast can set whole statements against each other, while Comparison compares things in a chosen quality or amount.
Como identificar
Look for ideas set against each other, especially where one makes the other unexpected.
Na tua língua materna
Mas joins contrasting ideas without requiring a special verb form. Embora introduces something that does not prevent the other event and normally takes the subjunctive (subjuntivo), a verb form used here for a fact or possibility set aside as an obstacle. Apesar de expresses a similar relation before a noun or an infinitive, the verb form used to name an action.
O apartamento é pequeno, mas cabe tudo.
Embora seja perto, prefiro ir de ônibus.
Seja is the subjunctive form used after embora.
Apesar do calor, fomos caminhar.
Do combines de with o.
Na tua língua de aprendizagem
English uses but to join contrasting ideas and although to introduce a fact that makes the other part surprising. With although, the other part normally has no but. In writing, however often begins a separate sentence and is followed by a comma.
The room is small, but it's comfortable.
But links two contrasting facts in one sentence.
Although it was cold, we sat outside.
The cold makes sitting outside unexpected; there is no but in the other part.
The shoes look nice. However, they're too small for me.
However links the new sentence to the previous one and is followed by a comma.
Learners whose language uses two matching contrast words may put but in the other part of an although sentence. Learners whose language uses one word for both but and however may join two full statements with however and only a comma.