(Meaning, Usage, and Examples)
📌 What is ～といえども?
～といえども is a formal Japanese expression meaning:
- “Even though…”
- “Although it may be true that…”
- “Granted that…”
- “That said…”
It’s very similar to ～とはいえ, but with a slightly stronger or more formal, old-fashioned nuance. You’ll encounter it in speeches, articles, formal writing, and sometimes in classical or dramatic dialogue.
📖 Structure
| Part of Speech | Structure |
|---|---|
| Noun/Verb/Adjective (plain form) | [Plain form] + といえども |
✅ Can connect:
- Facts or situations + exceptions or contradictions
🎨 Meaning in Context
It’s used when you want to:
- Acknowledge a fact or status
- Then express a contrasting or unexpected situation that occurs despite that fact
English equivalents:
- Even though…
- Even if…
- Though it may be true that…
- Nevertheless…
📚 Example Sentences
| Japanese Sentence | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| 子供といえども、礼儀は守るべきだ。 | Even though they’re a child, they should still mind their manners. |
| いかに有名な教授といえども、間違うことはある。 | No matter how famous a professor may be, they can still make mistakes. |
| 夏といえども、山の天気は変わりやすい。 | Even in summer, the weather in the mountains changes quickly. |
| お金持ちといえども、幸せとは限らない。 | Even if someone is rich, it doesn’t guarantee happiness. |
📌 Nuances & Tone
- More formal or literary than ～とはいえ
- Often used in written Japanese, news, lectures, speeches, and proverbs
- Stronger emphasis on “despite this fact”
- Can imply “even a person like that…” or “under such a situation… still…”
📝 Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Usage | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| それでも | Simple contradiction | Casual |
| しかし | However, But | Formal, direct |
| ～とはいえ | Acknowledging, yet… | Polite, softer |
| ～といえども | Even though it’s true, still… | Formal, literary |
| ～のに | Even though… | Strong, emotional, everyday |
⚠️ Usage Notes
- Commonly used for:
- General truths
- Proverbs
- Formal debates
- Essays
- Avoid in very casual, daily conversations — sounds overly formal for friends or family.
- Good for academic writing or public speaking.
✅ Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～といえども:
- Even if it’s raining, the event will be held.
- No matter how talented you are, practice is still important.
- Even though he’s the boss, he makes mistakes too.
Possible Answers:
- 雨といえども、イベントは行われます。
- いかに才能があるといえども、練習は大切だ。
- 社長といえども、間違うことがある。
📝 Summary Table
| Grammar | ～といえども |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Even though / Even if / Nevertheless |
| Structure | [Plain form] + といえども |
| Nuance | Acknowledges a fact, then highlights an unexpected situation |
| Usage | Formal, essays, proverbs, speeches |
📌 ～とはいえ vs ～といえども
| ～とはいえ | ～といえども | |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Polite, reflective | Formal, literary |
| Usage | Business, polite conversation | Academic, public speaking |
| Nuance | “Although it’s true…” | “Even though, still surprising…” |
| Example | 高いとはいえ、よく売れている。 | 高いといえども、すぐに売り切れる。 |
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