Aun vs Aún vs Aunque: Anti-Confusion Guide

Do you still confuse the Spanish words Aun vs Aún vs Aunque? 

These three words may look the same, but as you probably already know, they all mean different things.

The first thing we want to mention is the importance of respecting the Spanish accent, as it relates to Aun v Aún.

In case you don’t already know, an accent can completely change the meaning of a word without an accent.

Let’s take a simple example.

• Your dad is the best – Tu papá es el mejor

• Your potato is the best – Tu papa es la mejor

In the above examples, we see two similar words, the only difference being that one has an accent and the other doesn’t.

1) The first one (papá), which has an accent, means “dad”.

2) The second one (papa) means “potato”.

You can see how forgetting an accent can result in you putting yourself in an embarrassing situation.

(if you need to improve your Spanish pronunciation, read our expert guide here)

So why are we emphasizing the importance of Spanish accents?

The two adverbs aun and aún are written almost identically, except for the accent on aún, of course.

Let’s clarify the difference between both.

Aun (no accent) can mean incluso (even), hasta (until), también (also) or ni siquiera (not even), depending on the context.

• The lyrics of the song are so easy that even a child can understand them – La letras de la canción son tan sencilla que aun los niños las entienden

The word aún (accent included) is similar to todavía and means “still” or “yet”.

For example:

• I still study German at the academy – Yo aún estudio alemán en la academia

And while we’re here, we should mention that aunque means “even though”.

For example:

•  I just ate even though I’m not hungry. – Acabo de comer aunque no tengo hambre.

That is the one-minute overview of Aun vs Aún vs Aunque.

If you still aren’t sure, then keep reading as we’re about to do an in-depth explanation on each word.

How to use Aun

Aun can be translated as “even” and is similar to the Spanish word incluso. In fact, most native Spanish speakers prefer to use incluso, probably to avoid confusing aun vs aùn)

Aun is normally used to link a concept or idea to a sentence.

• Even today I remember you; in spite of all the circumstances that we experienced – Aun hoy te recuerdo; a pesar de todas las circunstancias que vivimos

• With the support and monetary help, even still, I couldn’t make it – Con el apoyo y la ayuda monetaria, aun así, no pude lograrlo

• Even our children can have problems with bullying – Aun nuestros hijos pueden tener problemas con acoso escolar

• Sarah will be the only one who will be there even if it’s very cold – Sarah será la única que estará allí aun si hace mucho frío

 How To Use Aún

On the other hand, aún is used to indicate that an action, or a situation is ongoing.

Aún is interchangeable with todavia, and so it can be translated as “still” or “yet”.

Now, a frequently asked question is: does the position of the word aún change its meaning or emphasis?

The answer is no.

It’s common to see aún placed in any of the below positions.

• Subject + aún + verb + complement
• Subject +verb + aún + complement
• Subject+verb+aún+complement+aún
• Aún + subject+verb+aún+complement

Now let’s see an example of this:

• El mundo aún está en peligro
• El mundo está aún  en peligro
• El mundo está en peligro aún
• Aún el mundo está en peligro

It doesn’t matter where aún is placed, the above sentences mean exactly the same: “the world is still in danger”.

Let’s look at more examples of aún in action:

• The environment is still in danger. – El medio ambien aún está en peligro

• I haven’t seen the movie “The Hunger Games” yet, but I have read the books. – No he visto aún la película de “Los Juegos del hambre”, pero sí he leído los libros.

• I still have the book you gave me last year. -Aún tengo el libro que me regalaste el año pasado.

• My parents haven’t bought a new house this year yet because they are broke. – Mis padres no han comprado una casa nueva este año aún porque están en quiebra

 How To Use Aunque

And finally, we have aunque which is one is one of the most frequently used Spanish words, and the good news is that it’s super easy to use.

This word is the equivalent to “although” or “even though” in English, and is generally used to express an idea or thought that contradicts what has just been said.

• Even though it is cloudy, the scenery of the city is beautiful – Aunque está nublado, el paisaje de la ciudad es hermoso

• The car is wonderful, although it is very expensive – El carro es maravilloso, aunque muy costoso

• The bank’s security system works, although it is not perfect – El sistema de seguridad del banco funciona, aunque no es perfecta

• The pizza is delicious, although it is cold – La pizza está deliciosa, aunque está fría

Aun vs Aún vs Aunque: Exercises

Read the following sentences, then complete each sentence choosing between aun, aún and aunque.

1.- Mi papá ____ está esperando a mi amigo en la parada de autobús.

My dad is ___ waiting for my friend at the bus stop.

2.- Compré un celular nuevo, ____ es muy caro.

I bought a new cell phone, _____ it is very expensive.

3.- Juan no ha hecho su tarea de matemáticas ____.

Juan hasn’t done his math homework ___.

4.- Daré lo mejor de mí para mejorar ___ si decides irte.

I will do my best to improve ____ if you decide to leave.

5.- Joseph ___ quiere comer helados con su novia.

Joseph ____ wants to eat ice cream with her girlfriend.

6.- Mi computadora está funcionando, _____ está lenta.

My computer is working, ____ it is slow.

7.- Me prestaste tu carro, ____ así, llegué tarde al trabajo.

You lent me your car. ____ I was late for work.

8.- Ashley decidió quedarse en la montaña, ___ si pueda encontrar serpientes.

Ashley decided to stay at the mountain, ___ if she may find snakes.

Answers

1.- Mi papá aún está esperando a mi amigo en la parada de autobús.

My dad is still waiting for my friend at the bus stop.

2.- Compré un celular nuevo, aunque es muy caro

I bought a new cell phone, although it is very expensive.

3.- Juan no ha hecho su tarea de matemáticas aún.

Juan hasn’t done his math homework yet.

4.- Daré lo mejor de mí para mejorar aun si decides irte.

I will do my best to improve even if you decide to leave.

5.- Joseph aún quiere comer helados con su novia.

Joseph still wants to eat ice cream with her girlfriend.

6.- Mi computadora está funcionando, aunque está lenta.

My computer is working, even though it is slow.

7.- Me prestaste tu carro, aun así, llegué tarde al trabajo.

You lent me your car. Even so,  I was late for work.

8.- Ashley decidió quedarse en la montaña, aun si pueda encontrar serpientes.

Ashley decided to stay at the mountain, even if she may find snakes.