Turn this distinction into automatic recall
Falando teaches Brazilian Portuguese through grammar, vocabulary, audio, examples, and spaced review, so confusing pairs stop feeling like guesses.
Quick answer
Nao obstante is a formal notwithstanding. Contudo is however.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
What each word does
obstante
notwithstanding
Use obstante for formal contrast, usually in the phrase nao obstante.
contudo
however
Use contudo for contrast between clauses or sentences in formal writing.
How to choose
- obstante: Choose obstante if the sentence points to formal contrast, usually in the phrase nao obstante.
- contudo: Choose contudo if the sentence points to contrast between clauses or sentences in formal writing.
Examples
Nao obstante as criticas, o projeto avancou.
Notwithstanding the criticism, the project advanced.
O plano e bom; contudo, custa caro.
The plan is good; however, it is expensive.
Common trap
Obstante usually appears as nao obstante; contudo stands more easily between sentences.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with obstante, then once with contudo. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Turn this distinction into automatic recall
Falando teaches Brazilian Portuguese through grammar, vocabulary, audio, examples, and spaced review, so confusing pairs stop feeling like guesses.