Spanish word of the week: aunque

This week’s Spanish word of the week is aunque.

Aunque is a conjunction that means although, though; even though; even if. You can listen to the pronunciation of aunque in the audio clip below:  

Aunque is a very commonly used linking word, or conjunction.

Its main meaning is although or though:

No esperaba eso de él, aunque entiendo por qué lo hizo. I wasn’t expecting that from him, although I can understand why he did it.

Aunque estaba cansada, se quedó levantada hasta tarde. Although she was tired, she stayed up late.

Estamos pensando en ir, aunque no sabemos cuándo. We’re thinking of going, though we don’t know when.

It can also mean even though:

Seguí andando, aunque me dolía mucho la pierna. I went on walking even though my leg was hurting badly.

In all the examples above aunque is used with the indicative. However, if it refers to a future or hypothetical event, you’ll need to use the subjunctive:

Pienso irme, aunque tenga que salir por la ventana. I intend to leave, even if I have to climb out of the window.
Tienes ir, aunque no quieras. You’ll have to go even if or even though you don’t want to.

Come back next week for another insight into Spanish vocabulary!