con todo
Lemma Details
Translation: nevertheless; nonetheless; even so; in spite of everything; all the same
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the preposition 'con' (with) and the adjective 'todo' (all, everything). 'Con' derives from Latin 'cum', while 'todo' comes from Latin 'totus' (all, entire). The combination creates an idiomatic expression that acknowledges preceding information but introduces a contrasting statement.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El examen fue muy difícil; con todo, logré aprobarlo.
The exam was very difficult; nevertheless, I managed to pass it.
Llovía mucho; con todo, decidimos salir.
It was raining heavily; nonetheless, we decided to go out.
Sabe que no es buena idea; con todo, va a hacerlo.
He knows it's not a good idea; even so, he's going to do it.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con todo' as 'with everything considered' - even with all factors taken into account, something else is still true.
- Imagine carrying a heavy load ('with everything') but still moving forward anyway.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both written and spoken Spanish to introduce contrasting information. It's a standard way to acknowledge what has been said while presenting an opposing viewpoint or exception.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Con todo' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'nevertheless,' while 'con todos' means 'with everyone' and is used literally to indicate accompaniment with all people.
Confused word:
Vamos a celebrar con todos nuestros amigos.
We're going to celebrate with all our friends.
Notes: The singular 'todo' in 'con todo' indicates it's an idiomatic expression, while the plural 'todos' in 'con todos' shows it's being used literally.
Mnemonic: 'Con todo' (with everything considered) introduces a contrast, while 'con todos' (with everyone) refers to people.
Explanation: While 'con todo' means 'nevertheless' and introduces a contrasting idea, 'después de todo' means 'after all' and typically reinforces or explains a previous statement rather than contrasting with it.
This word:
No tenía dinero; con todo, compró el regalo.
He had no money; nevertheless, he bought the gift.
Confused word:
Compró el regalo; después de todo, era su mejor amigo.
He bought the gift; after all, he was his best friend.
Notes: 'Después de todo' provides justification, while 'con todo' acknowledges obstacles but introduces actions that happen despite them.
Mnemonic: 'Con todo' introduces something unexpected, while 'después de todo' introduces something that makes sense given the circumstances.