???? Meaning
The grammar pattern ～とはいえ is used to acknowledge a fact or statement, but then present a contrasting or unexpected situation. It is often translated as “though it is said that…”, “even so…”, or “nonetheless…”.
???? Formation
- Verb (plain form) + とはいえ
- Noun + とはいえ
- い-adjective / な-adjective + とはいえ
This structure is mainly used in written or formal speech.
???? Examples
- 冬とはいえ、それほど寒くない。
Though it’s winter, it’s not that cold. - 有名人とはいえ、プライバシーは守られるべきだ。
Even though they’re a celebrity, their privacy should be respected. - 学生とはいえ、社会人と同じ責任がある。
Even if they are students, they have responsibilities like adults. - 試験が終わったとはいえ、油断はできない。
Even though the exam is over, we cannot let our guard down. - 忙しいとはいえ、健康は大事にしないと。
Even if you’re busy, you still have to take care of your health.
???? Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ～とはいえ | Even so / Nevertheless | Formal, written | 彼は先生とはいえ、完璧ではない。 |
| ～といえども | Even though | Very formal | 子供といえども、責任はある。 |
| ～にしても | Even if / Even though | Conversational | 行かないにしても、連絡くらいして。 |
???? Practice Exercises
✔ Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using ～とはいえ:
- 夏 __________、夜は涼しいですね。
- 上司とはいえ、 __________。
- テストに合格したとはいえ、 __________。
- 外国人 __________、日本語がとても上手ですね。
✔ Choose the correct sentence
- 冬とはいえ、海に行きましょう。
- 冬といえでも、海に行きましょう。
- 冬がといえ、海に行きましょう。
✔ Translate into Japanese using ～とはいえ
- Even though he is a doctor, he sometimes gets sick.
- Even though it’s expensive, I want to buy it.
✅ Answers
✔ Fill in the blanks
- とはいえ
- すべてのことを命令するわけにはいかない
- 気を抜かないようにしよう
- とはいえ
✔ Choose the correct sentence
Answer: A. 冬とはいえ、海に行きましょう。
✔ Translate into Japanese
- 医者とはいえ、時々病気になることもある。
- 高いとはいえ、それを買いたい。
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