Structure
Verb + とはいえ + Phrase
［い］Adjective + とはいえ + Phrase
Noun + （だ）+ とはいえ + Phrase
［な］Adjective + （だ）+ とはいえ + Phrase
Phrase (A)。とはいえ + Phrase (B)
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Formal
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硬い
About とはいえ
とは言え is one of the standard grammar patterns in Japanese that makes use of the imperative form in order to strongly state a point. It will often be translated as 'although (A), (B) will not change', or 'be that as it may, (B)'. Literally, it is just making use of the case-marking particle と in addition to the adverbial particle は to present (A) as a quote that the speaker acknowledges, but may not actually accept.
As this structure begins with と, it may be used at the end of any standard statement.
As this structure begins with と, it may be used at the end of any standard statement.
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この事件の犯人が分かったとはいえ、犯人はまだ捕まっていないからまだ油断はできない。Although the culprit in this case has been found, we can't let our guard down yet because the culprit has not been caught yet.
- このパソコンは新しいといえ、今持っているパソコンより性能がいいと言うわけではない。Although this computer is new, it does not mean that it has better features than the computer that I already own.
- この国は安全だといえ、日本ではないので子供から目を離さないようにしてください。Although this country is safe, it is not Japan, so please keep an eye on your child.
- 日本人とはいえ、スペインで育ったから日本語があまり話せない。Although I am Japanese, I grew up in Spain so I can't speak much Japanese.
Synonyms
Examples
犯人は逮捕されたとはいえ有罪と宣告されるまで時間がかかるだろう。
Although (I admit that) the criminal has been caught, it will be some time before they are declared guilty.
馬は肉を食べることができる。とはいえ、普通は食べない。
Horses are perfectly capable of eating meat. Having said that, they generally do not eat it.
彼は社長とはいえ名前ばかりだ。権限は取締役会にある。
Although he is admittedly the company president, it is in name only. It is the board of directors that holds the power.
論文：「この場合、「ようだ」と「ごとし」のどちらを使ってもよいということである。しかしながら、どちらも使えるとはいえ、実際には意味合いが異なる。」
Thesis: 'In this case, one can use both 'ようだ' and 'ごとし.' However, although I say you can use both, their meanings actually have different nuances.'
今では、パンデミックの進行状況は遅いとはいえ、まだ安心するわけにはいかない。
Although (I admit that) the progress of the pandemic is slow, we cannot afford to feel at ease just yet.
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Sou Matome Bunpou N1
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Shin Kanzen Master N1 Bunpou
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A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
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