What does Sebbene Mean in Italian?
Let’s talk about a little word that sounds fancy but pops up all the time in spoken and written Italian: sebbene.
Sebbene means “although” or “even though.” It introduces a contrast between two ideas something is true, despite something else.
But here’s the catch:
Sebbene is always followed by the subjunctive.
Let’s look at a few examples:
- Sebbene sia stanco, esce lo stesso. Although he’s tired, he goes out anyway.
- Sebbene piova, andiamo al mare. Even though it’s raining, we’re going to the beach.
- Sebbene tu abbia ragione, non posso aiutarti. Even though you’re right, I can’t help you.
Quick tip:
If you’re not ready for the subjunctive yet, you can often replace sebbene with anche se + indicative:
- Anche se sono stanca, vado al cinema.
I’m going to the movies, even if I’m tired. - Anche se piove, andiamo al mare.
Even if it rains, we’re going to the beach. - Anche se tu hai ragione, non posso aiutarti.
Even if you’re right, I can’t help you.
👉 In short
➤ Sebbene = Although / Even though (more formal, used in written or formal speech)
Requires the subjunctive mood.
Example:
Sebbene sia stanco, esco lo stesso.
(Although I’m tired, I’m going out anyway.
➤ Anche se = Even if / Even though (more common, used in everyday speech)
Uses the indicative mood.
Example:
Anche se sono stanco, esco lo stesso.
(Even if I’m tired, I’m going out anyway.)
