(Meaning, Usage, and Examples
📌 What is ～とはいえ?
～とはいえ is a Japanese conjunction used to mean:
- “Having said that…”
- “Nonetheless…”
- “Even so…”
- “Though it may be…”
It’s typically used when acknowledging a fact or situation, but then expressing a contrasting idea or different perspective.
📖 Structure
| Part of Speech | Structure |
|---|---|
| Noun/Verb/Adjective (plain form) | [Plain form] + とはいえ |
✅ It connects either:
- A fact + a contradictory comment
- A condition + a different outcome
🎨 Meaning in Context
～とはいえ can be translated as:
- Even though it is…
- Although it is true that…
- That being said…
- Nevertheless…
It softens the contradiction, similar to how we say “although… still…” in English.
📚 Example Sentences
| Japanese Sentence | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| 冬とはいえ、今日は暖かい。 | Even though it’s winter, it’s warm today. |
| 忙しいとはいえ、運動する時間くらい作れるだろう。 | Although you’re busy, you should still be able to make time for exercise. |
| 高かったとはいえ、とても役に立つ道具だ。 | Even though it was expensive, it’s a very useful tool. |
| 留学は楽しいとはいえ、時々ホームシックになる。 | Studying abroad is fun, but I do get homesick sometimes. |
📌 Nuances & Tone
- Often used in written Japanese: articles, essays, and formal conversations.
- Adds a logical and reflective tone.
- Can sound more softened or polite compared to direct contradictions.
- Often interchangeable with それでも (even so) or しかし (however), but with a subtler nuance.
📝 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 | Although acknowledging, still… | Soft, reflective |
| ～のに | Even though… | Strong emotion, dissatisfaction |
⚠️ Usage Notes
- Use when you want to softly acknowledge a fact but then present a different, sometimes opposing, idea.
- Avoid in overly casual, spoken language with close friends (use でも or それでも instead).
- Works best in written Japanese, formal discussions, essays, or polite conversations.
✅ Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～とはいえ:
- It’s raining, but I’m going jogging anyway.
- He is young, but very capable.
- The book is difficult, but interesting.
Possible Answers:
- 雨が降っているとはいえ、ジョギングに行くつもりだ。
- 若いとはいえ、とても有能だ。
- 難しい本とはいえ、面白い。
📝 Summary Table
| Grammar | ～とはいえ |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Even though / Nevertheless / Having said that |
| Structure | [Plain form] + とはいえ |
| Nuance | Acknowledges a fact, then contrasts with a different idea |
| Usage | Formal, polite, essays, business, speeches |
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