παρότι
Lemma: παρότι
Translation: although; even though; despite the fact that; notwithstanding that (conjunction)
Etymology: Derived from the combination of παρά (pará, 'beside, beyond, contrary to') and ότι (óti, 'that'). The compound literally means 'beside/beyond that' which evolved to express concession or contrast.
Example Usage
Παρότι έβρεχε, πήγαμε για περπάτημα.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Παρότι είναι μικρός, καταλαβαίνει πολλά.
Even though he is young, he understands a lot.
Θα πάω διακοπές παρότι δεν έχω πολλά χρήματα.
I will go on vacation despite the fact that I don't have much money.
Παρότι έβρεχε, πήγαμε για περίπατο.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Παρότι προσπάθησα πολύ, δεν τα κατάφερα.
Despite the fact that I tried hard, I didn't succeed.
Θα έρθω παρότι είμαι κουρασμένος.
I'll come even though I'm tired.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'παρότι' as 'para-oti' where 'para' suggests something going against expectations (like 'paradox') and 'oti' means 'that' - so it's 'against that expectation'.
- The 'παρ' part is like the English 'despite' (παρά) and 'ότι' is like 'that' - so it's 'despite that'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both written and spoken Greek to introduce concessive clauses. It's slightly more formal than 'αν και' but still common in everyday speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'παρότι' introduces a contrasting clause (concession), 'επειδή' introduces a reason (causation).
Notes: The difference is similar to 'although' vs. 'because' in English.
Mnemonic: 'Παρότι' introduces something that goes against expectations, while 'επειδή' introduces the cause or reason for something.
Explanation: 'Παρότι' and 'αν και' are very similar in meaning, both translating to 'although/even though', but 'παρότι' is a single word while 'αν και' is a phrase.
This word:
Παρότι δεν είχε χρήματα, αγόρασε ένα δώρο.
Although he didn't have money, he bought a gift.
Confused word:
Αν και δεν είχε χρήματα, αγόρασε ένα δώρο.
Even though he didn't have money, he bought a gift.
Notes: These can often be used interchangeably, though 'παρότι' might be slightly more formal in some contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'παρότι' as the more compact version of expressing 'although'.