si bien
Lemma Details
Translation: although; even though; while; albeit
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This conjunction is formed by combining 'si' (if) and 'bien' (well). The combination creates a concessive conjunction that acknowledges one fact while introducing a contrasting idea. It's similar to how English uses 'even if' or 'although' to introduce a contrast.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Si bien es cierto que estudió mucho, no aprobó el examen.
Although it's true that he studied a lot, he didn't pass the exam.
Si bien me gusta el chocolate, prefiero la vainilla.
Even though I like chocolate, I prefer vanilla.
Si bien no habla español con fluidez, puede comunicarse bastante bien.
While he doesn't speak Spanish fluently, he can communicate quite well.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'si bien' as 'if well' - even if something is well/good, there's still a contrast coming.
- Remember that 'si bien' introduces a fact that is true but will be contrasted with something else.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in both formal and informal Spanish across all Spanish-speaking countries. It's particularly common in written Spanish and more formal speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Si' alone is a conditional conjunction meaning 'if', while 'si bien' is concessive and means 'although' or 'even though'.
Notes: 'Si bien' always introduces a fact that is true, while 'si' introduces a hypothetical condition.
Mnemonic: 'Si bien' acknowledges a fact but introduces a contrast; 'si' alone introduces a condition.
Explanation: 'También' means 'also' or 'too' and adds information, while 'si bien' introduces a contrast.
This word:
Si bien me gusta el fútbol, prefiero el baloncesto.
Although I like soccer, I prefer basketball.
Notes: These serve completely different grammatical functions despite both containing 'bien'.
Mnemonic: 'Si bien' sets up a contrast; 'también' adds similar information.