Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 2: 17/18

とは言(い)えThough, Although (I admit that), Be that as it may, Nonetheless

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)

Details

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    Formal

About とはいえ

とは言(い)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.

In most situations, the way that とはいえ will be used is like the English 'say that it is (A), that still doesn't change (B)'. (A) will generally be something that is true, or true as far as the speaker knows.

Examples

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    犯人(はんにん)は逮捕(たいほ)されたとは言(い)え有罪(ゆうざい)と宣告(せんこく)されるまで時間(じかん)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. (be that as it may)

    馬(うま)は肉(にく)を食(た)べることができる。とは言(い)え、普通(ふつう)は食(た)べない。

    Horses are perfectly capable of eating meat. Having said that, they generally do not eat it. (be that as it may)

    彼(かれ)は社長(しゃちょう)とは言(い)え名前(なまえ)ばかりだ。権限(けんげん)は取締役会(とりしまりやくかい)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. (be that as it may)

    論文(ろんぶん)：「この場合(ばあい)、「ようだ」と「ごとし」のどちらを使(つか)ってもよいということである。しかしながら、どちらも使(つか)えるとは言(い)え、実際(じっさい)には意味合(いみあ)いが異(こと)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.' (be that as it may)

    今(いま)では、パンデミックの進行状況(しんこうじょうきょう)は遅(おそ)いとは言(い)え、まだ安心(あんしん)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. (be that as it may)

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