といっても

といっても
expression
although I say; even though; that said
1. although I say; even though; that said
Used after a statement to qualify or downplay it, indicating that the reality is less impressive or different from what the listener might expect.
料理(りょうり)といっても、カレーだけだ。
I say 'cooking,' but it's just curry.
日本語(にほんご)ができるといっても、簡単(かんたん)会話(かいわ)だけです。
Even though I say I can speak Japanese, it's just simple conversation.
(にわ)があるといっても、(はな)(ひと)(ふた)()えられるくらいの(ちい)さなスペースだ。
Although I say we have a garden, it's just a small space where you can plant one or two flowers.

USAGE:
Common in both spoken and written Japanese. The speaker first states something, then immediately qualifies it to manage expectations or add nuance. The pattern is: [statement] + といっても + [qualification].

PATTERN:

  • [noun/verb plain form] + といっても
  • 旅行(りょこう)といっても日帰(ひがえ)りだ (I say 'trip,' but it's just a day trip)
  • 運動(うんどう)するといっても散歩(さんぽ)くらいだ (Even though I say I exercise, it's just walking)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • とはいえ: that said, nevertheless — more formal, used to introduce a contrasting point
  • とはいうものの: having said that — more formal and literary version of the same idea