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a pesar de means despite / in spite of — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 13, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

a pesar de

preposition • /[ah peh-SAR deh]/

despite / in spite of

Example:

A pesar de las críticas, el proyecto siguió adelante.

Despite the criticism, the project moved forward.

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🧠 What does a pesar de mean?

The Spanish preposition "a pesar de" means "despite" or "in spite of" in English. It introduces a contrasting idea or circumstance that doesn't prevent the main action or state from happening. It highlights that something occurred or is true even with the presence of an obstacle or opposing factor.

📚 Extra examples

  • A pesar de la lluvia, fuimos al parque.
    Despite the rain, we went to the park.
  • A pesar de estar cansado, terminé el proyecto.
    Despite being tired, I finished the project.
  • A pesar de sus diferencias, siguen siendo amigos.
    Despite their differences, they are still friends.
  • A pesar del tráfico, llegué a tiempo.
    Despite the traffic, I arrived on time.
  • A pesar de todo, nunca perdió la esperanza.
    Despite everything, she never lost hope.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'despite' or 'in spite of' in Spanish?
You can say 'a pesar de' in Spanish for both 'despite' and 'in spite of'.
How do you pronounce 'a pesar de' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'ah peh-SAR deh'. The emphasis is on the second syllable, 'SAR'.
How do you use 'a pesar de' in a sentence?
'A pesar de' is followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in the infinitive. For example: 'A pesar de la lluvia...' (Despite the rain...) or 'A pesar de estar cansado...' (Despite being tired...).
What is the English translation of 'a pesar de'?
The English translation of 'a pesar de' is 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
Does 'a pesar de' change for gender or number?
No, 'a pesar de' remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun or pronoun it refers to.
Is 'a pesar de' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'a pesar de' is a very common and useful phrase in everyday Spanish.
Does 'a pesar de' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'a pesar de' has a straightforward meaning and no slang or double meanings.
Is 'a pesar de' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'a pesar de' is used the same way in Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "a pesar de"

Synonyms: aunque (although, even though - slightly different usage), pese a (despite - more formal)

💡 Did You Know?

While 'aunque' can sometimes be used similarly, 'a pesar de' emphasizes the contrast more strongly. Think of it as highlighting the obstacle that was overcome.

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