Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
Both Sides of a Small Decision in Spanish
Helping children understand reasoning involves acknowledging their perspective while introducing a counter-argument. In Spanish, we use 'si bien' or 'es cierto que' alongside 'pero' to create this balance.
What you'll learn
- Acknowledge a child's valid point before offering a contrast.
- Practice using concessive connectors like 'si bien' and 'ciertamente'.
- Maintain natural Spanish sentence structure while weighing options.
Spanish phrases for both sides of a small decision
Ese juguete es ciertamente emocionante, pero cuesta más de lo que has ahorrado.
That toy is certainly exciting, but it costs more than you have saved.
'Ciertamente' adds emphasis to the acknowledgment.
Es cierto que el camino al colegio es más largo, pero podemos ir por el parque.
The walk to school is admittedly longer, but we get to go through the park.
'Es cierto que' is a very common way to say 'It is true that' or 'Admittedly'.
Este libro tiene muchas páginas, pero los capítulos son cortos.
This book does have lots of pages, but the chapters are short.
The contrast is introduced naturally with 'pero'.
Tu mochila está ciertamente llena, pero aún falta tu carpeta de lectura.
Your bag is certainly full, but your reading folder is still missing.
Use 'aún falta' to indicate something is still not there.
Si bien has terminado las sumas, todavía tenemos que revisar tus respuestas.
You have indeed finished the sums, but we still need to check your answers.
'Si bien' is a slightly more formal way to say 'Although/While'.
Es cierto que está lloviendo, pero el entrenamiento de fútbol no se ha cancelado.
It is admittedly raining, but football practice has not been cancelled.
'No se ha cancelado' uses the passive reflexive for a natural sound.
Una cita para jugar hoy sería ciertamente estupenda, pero ya hemos quedado para visitar a la abuela.
A playdate today would certainly be lovely, but we have already arranged to visit Grandma.
'Quedar' is the standard verb for making plans or arranging to meet.
Tienes razón en que tu amigo recibe más paga, pero nuestras familias gestionan los gastos de forma diferente.
You are right that your friend gets more pocket money, but our families handle spending differently.
'Paga' is the common term for pocket money/allowance in Spain.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Si bien
While / Although / Even though
A concessive conjunction used to acknowledge a fact before a contrast.
Es cierto que
It is true that / Admittedly
A very common phrase for starting an acknowledgment.
Ciertamente
Certainly
An adverb used to reinforce the truth of the first statement.
Paga
Pocket money / Allowance
Specifically refers to money given to children regularly.
Concessive Structures (Acknowledging vs. Contrasting)
In English, we often use 'Admittedly... but...'. In Spanish, we use 'Si bien...' or 'Es cierto que...' followed by 'pero'. Unlike some other complex structures, these phrases usually keep the standard Indicative mood when stating facts.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledge | Es cierto que + [Fact] | Es cierto que es tarde... |
| Contrast | pero + [Main Concern] | ...pero tenemos que terminar. |
| Emphasis | [Subject] + ciertamente + [Verb] | Tú ciertamente trabajaste duro. |
More examples
Si bien la película es larga, es muy divertida.
While the movie is long, it is very fun.
Shows the balance of a trait vs. the experience.
Es cierto que no quieres verduras, pero son buenas para ti.
It's true you don't want vegetables, but they are good for you.
A common parental use of the 'Es cierto que... pero' structure.