English changes the word. Italian changes the verb.
English has many words for a concession (although, even though, despite, even if), and the verb after them stays an ordinary indicative. Italian has three constructions for the same idea, and each wants something different: nonostante and malgrado take the congiuntivo, pur takes the gerundio, anche se takes the indicative.
Three ways, one thought
nonostante and malgrado
Nonostante and malgrado mean although and take the congiuntivo in the clause. No che comes in between: the clause starts directly with the subject or the verb. Nonostante is the standard word, malgrado sounds a little more formal.
Although + congiuntivo
Congiuntivo after nonostante and malgrado
Nonostante piova, andiamo a fare due passi.
Although it's raining, we're going for a short walk.
Nonostante abbia studiato tutto il mese, non ha passato l'esame.
Although he studied all month, he didn't pass the exam.
Malgrado sia agosto, in ufficio c'è ancora gente.
Although it's August, there are still people at the office.
pur + gerundio
You can shorten the concession to two words: pur plus the gerundio. The gerundio has no subject of its own, so it refers to the same person as the main clause. If the concession lies earlier in time, use pur avendo or pur essendo plus the past participle.
pur in a sentence
Pur essendo stanco, sono uscito lo stesso.
Although I was tired, I went out anyway.
Pur abitando a due passi, non ci vediamo mai.
Although we live just a few steps from each other, we never see each other.
Pur avendo prenotato, abbiamo aspettato mezz'ora.
Although we had booked, we waited half an hour.
anche se
Anche se means even if and even though and takes the indicative. In conversation it is the most common of these words, because you don't have to form a congiuntivo.
Indicative after anche se
Anche se non ho molto tempo, ti aiuto volentieri.
Even though I don't have much time, I'm happy to help you.
Ci vado anche se non mi va.
I'm going even though I don't feel like it.
Anche se me l'aveva promesso, non è venuto.
Although he had promised me, he didn't come.
