nempêche

N’empêche is a French expression derived from the verb empêcher (to prevent) with negation. In normal use the "ne" is contracted to "n’" before a vowel, yielding n’empêche, which functions idiomatically as an adverb or interjection meaning nevertheless, however, or still.

The word can appear as a standalone interjection, as in N’empêche!, equivalent to saying “nevertheless!” or “but still,” often used in dialogue to advance a point while acknowledging a contrary factor. It can also introduce a concessive clause with que, roughly meaning “even though” or “although,” as in n’empêche que … followed by a clause. This second use is common in spoken French and in informal writing, where it serves to mark a soft or balancing contrast between two ideas.

Register and style: n’empêche is informal or semi-formal. In formal writing, speakers usually opt for alternatives such as néanmoins, toutefois, ou pourtant to express contrast, rather than the colloquial n’empêche. It is frequently heard in everyday conversation, journalism, and fictional dialogue, where it adds color and immediacy to a concession.

Etymology and notes: the form comes from the negated present of empêche, and its use as a fixed expression is idiomatic rather than a literal grammatical construction. While understandable to all French speakers, its tone and informality should be considered when choosing a register for writing or formal communication. See also néanmoins, toutefois, pourtant, quand même for related ways to express contrast.