Using "y eso que" for despite/even though

Question 1

Although more colloquial, we use y eso que… in a very similar way to aunque or a pesar de que,

Let’s see some examples:

Answer 1

meaning although/ even though / despite.

It is important to note that “y eso que” is always used with the indicative, never with the subjunctive.

As you can see in the examples, the information introduced by “y eso que” indicates a contrast, similar to the function of aunque/a pesar de (que), but using “y eso que” adds an extra element of surprise.

Generally “aunque/a pesar de (que)” are used in subordinate clauses that are not separated from the main clause, but “y eso que” is often used separately, so it’s seen as a more independent sentence:

Question 2

He doesn’t like coffee at all, even though he is Colombian.

Answer 2

No le gusta nada el café, y eso que es colombiano.

Question 3

My cousins are very humble, and this despite belonging to an aristocratic family.

Answer 3

Mis primas son muy humildes, y eso que son de una familia aristocrática.

Question 4

Manuel went out with his friends today, even though I told him he was grounded.

Answer 4

Manuel ha salido con los amigos hoy. Y eso que le dije que estaba castigado.

Question 5

Laura says that she is crazy about him. - Wow! Even though she only met him a couple of days ago…

Answer 5

• Laura dice que se muere por sus huesos. - ¡Vaya! Y eso que lo conoce desde hace dos días.

Question 6

He doesn’t travel first class; even though/ and he is a millionaire!

Answer 6

No viaja en primera clase. ¡Y eso que es millonario!