The term 'แม้นว่า (máen wâa)' is commonly used in Thai to introduce a clause that indicates a contradiction or contrast, analogous to the English 'even though' or 'albeit'. It is typically used at the start of a sentence to set up a contrast between the situation described in the clause following 'แม้นว่า (máen wâa)' and the main clause in the sentence. It can be used with a wide range of verbs, adjectives, and phrases to express a contrast or contradiction.