とはいえ

とはいえ
conjunction
although, having said that, that being said
1. although, having said that
Introduces a contrasting point while acknowledging the preceding statement. Similar to 'that being said' or 'nevertheless'.
簡単(かんたん)だとはいえ、油断(ゆだん)禁物(きんもつ)だ。
Although it's easy, one shouldn't let their guard down.
子供(こども)とはいえ、その発言(はつげん)(ゆる)せない。
Even though they're a child, that remark is unacceptable.
(やす)いとはいえ、品質(ひんしつ)(わる)くない。
Although it's cheap, the quality isn't bad.
成功(せいこう)したとはいえ、まだ課題(かだい)(おお)い。
Having said that we succeeded, there are still many challenges.

GRAMMAR: とはいえ follows nouns, adjectives, or verb plain forms. It acknowledges the preceding statement while introducing a contrasting or qualifying point.

PATTERNS:

  • [noun] + とはいえ (子供(こども)とはいえ)
  • [i-adjective] + とはいえ ((やす)いとはいえ)
  • [na-adjective] + だとはいえ (簡単(かんたん)だとはいえ)
  • [verb plain] + とはいえ (成功(せいこう)したとはいえ)

REGISTER: Slightly formal, common in written language and formal speech.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • とはいうものの: Having said that (more emphatic)
  • しかし: However (more direct contrast)
  • とはいえ: Although (acknowledging while contrasting)
  • ただし: However, provided that (adds condition)

Related Words

Contrast: しかし