Conceding a Point While Maintaining Your Position in Spanish

Conceding a Point While Maintaining Your Position in Spanish

In this lesson, you will acknowledge a valid part of another person's argument without abandoning your main conclusion. A real concession identifies exactly what you accept, then explains why that point is not enough to change your overall position.

Start with genuine acknowledgment

• Es verdad que la opción B es más barata. — It is true that option B is cheaper.
• Reconozco que el nuevo horario sería más cómodo para algunos usuarios. — I acknowledge that the new schedule would be more convenient for some users.
• Tienes razón en que necesitamos reducir el coste. — You are right that we need to reduce the cost.

These forms specify the point being accepted.

Maintain your position with a reason

Es verdad que la opción B es más barata, pero no resuelve el problema de capacidad. — It is true that option B is cheaper, but it does not solve the capacity problem.

The concession is real, but the main position remains.

Use aunque for a concise concession

Aunque la opción B sea más barata, prefiero la opción A porque aumenta la capacidad. — Even though option B is cheaper, I prefer option A because it increases capacity.

The cost advantage is acknowledged but treated as insufficient to determine the final choice.

Accept only part of the other argument

Estoy de acuerdo en que el precio importa, pero no en que deba ser el único criterio. — I agree that price matters, but not that it should be the only criterion.

This explicitly marks the boundary of agreement.

Another boundary

Acepto que necesitamos una solución rápida. No acepto, sin embargo, que eso justifique una decisión sin datos suficientes. — I accept that we need a quick solution. I do not accept, however, that this justifies a decision without enough data.

Avoid empty concession

Weak:

Entiendo tu opinión, pero yo tengo razón. — I understand your opinion, but I am right.

This does not engage with the other person's argument.

Better:

Entiendo que te preocupe el coste, y comparto esa preocupación. Sin embargo, la opción más barata podría mantener el mismo problema de espacio. — I understand that the cost concerns you, and I share that concern. However, the cheapest option could maintain the same space problem.

Concede evidence, challenge the conclusion

Other person's point:

La opción A cuesta un 20 % más. — Option A costs 20% more.

Concession:

Es cierto que cuesta un 20 % más. — It is true that it costs 20% more.

Maintained position:

Aun así, puede ser preferible si reduce las esperas de forma significativa. — Even so, it may be preferable if it significantly reduces waiting times.

Aun así and sin embargo

• Aun así, mantengo mi recomendación. — Even so, I maintain my recommendation.
• Sin embargo, ese dato no cambia el problema principal. — However, that fact does not change the main problem.

These connectors help you return to your central position after acknowledging a point.

Do not pretend to concede if you reject the premise

If you believe the other person's factual premise is wrong, do not say es verdad que just to sound polite.

Instead:

Entiendo el argumento, pero no estoy seguro de que ese dato sea correcto. — I understand the argument, but I am not sure that that figure is correct.

Then explain what evidence would be needed.

Concession with limits

Podría aceptar esa opción siempre que el coste se mantuviera dentro del presupuesto. — I could accept that option provided that the cost remained within budget.

This accepts the option only under a stated condition.

Short discussion

Person A: Creo que deberíamos elegir la opción más barata. — I think we should choose the cheapest option.

Person B: Tienes razón en que el presupuesto es limitado. Aun así, no creo que el precio deba ser el único criterio. — You are right that the budget is limited. Even so, I do not think price should be the only criterion.

Person A: ¿Qué otro criterio usarías? — What other criterion would you use?

Person B: El efecto real sobre las esperas. — The real effect on waiting times.

A practical concession method

1. Identify the specific point you genuinely accept.
2. State that concession explicitly.
3. Define the limit of your agreement if needed.
4. Use pero, sin embargo, aun así, or aunque to return to your main position.
5. Give a reason for maintaining that position.
6. Do not use a vague polite phrase as a substitute for engaging with the argument.
7. Do not concede a factual claim you believe is unsupported.

From Concession to Conditional Limits

You can now acknowledge a valid point without abandoning your conclusion. The next lesson teaches Spanish Conditional Connectors: A Menos Que, Siempre Que, and Con Tal de Que.