Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
Acknowledge one side, explain the other in Spanish
Helping your child see two sides of a situation is a key part of mature communication. In Spanish, we use concessive structures to acknowledge a valid point ('concession') before presenting a contrasting argument or reality. This allows you to validate your child's perspective while maintaining boundaries or providing context.
What you'll learn
- Use 'Es cierto que... pero' to validate and contrast statements.
- Apply 'Si bien' to introduce a secondary point of view.
- Use adverbs like 'ciertamente' and 'sin duda' to show agreement before a counterpoint.
- Balance sentences using 'aunque' or 'lo cierto es que' in a CEFR B2 context.
Spanish phrases for acknowledge one side, explain the other
La idea es ciertamente creativa, pero le falta preparación.
The idea is certainly creative, but it needs more preparation.
Use 'ciertamente' to emphasize that you genuinely agree with the first part.
Comprendo perfectamente tu preocupación, pero no estoy de acuerdo con la decisión.
I do understand your concern, but I disagree with the decision.
'Comprendo perfectamente' mirrors the English emphatic 'do understand'.
Es cierto que la explicación es detallada, pero no es clara.
The explanation is admittedly detailed, but it isn't clear.
'Es cierto que' is a very common way to admit a point before the 'pero'.
Es verdad que tenemos permiso, pero aún necesitamos un plan.
It's true that we have permission, but we still need a plan.
'Aún' (still/yet) emphasizes the necessity remaining after the concession.
La versión más barata sí funciona, pero no durará tanto tiempo.
The cheaper version does work, but it won't last as long.
The word 'sí' is used here for emphasis, like the English 'does' in 'does work'.
Disfruté el desafío, pero no lo repetiría.
I did enjoy the challenge, but I wouldn't repeat it.
The conditional 'repetiría' shows a hypothetical future preference.
Si bien el trayecto es corto, la conexión no es de fiar.
The journey is admittedly short, but the connection is unreliable.
'Si bien' is a more formal, B2-level way to start a concessive sentence.
Tu argumento es sin duda justo, pero no lo resuelve todo.
Your point is certainly fair, but it doesn't settle everything.
'Sin duda' (without a doubt) is a strong way to validate their side first.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Si bien
While / Although / Even though
Commonly used in written or formal spoken Spanish to introduce a concession.
Ciertamente
Certainly / Indeed
An adverb used to concede the truth of a statement.
No es de fiar
Unreliable / Not to be trusted
A natural idiomatic expression for 'unreliable' objects or people.
Argumento
Point / Argument
Refers to a logical point made in a discussion, not necessarily a fight.
Concessive Paired Connectors
To balance two ideas, Spanish often uses a 'Hook' (admitting something) followed by a 'Pivot' (introducing the contrast).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Es cierto que... pero | Es cierto que + [Fact], pero + [Contrast] | Es cierto que es tarde, pero debemos terminar. |
| Si bien... lo cierto es que | Si bien + [Concession], lo cierto es que + [Main Point] | Si bien es caro, lo cierto es que es de mejor calidad. |
| Emphatic 'Sí' | Subject + sí + verb (indicative) | Yo sí quiero ir, pero no tengo tiempo. |
More examples
Es cierto que quieres jugar, pero primero hay que recoger los juguetes.
It's true that you want to play, but first we must pick up the toys.
A classic parenting scenario using the 'Es cierto que' structure.
Si bien la película es divertida, es demasiado larga para hoy.
While the movie is fun, it's too long for today.
Acknowledging the 'fun' aspect before setting the boundary.