GRAMMAR
〜とはいえ ②
be that as it may
nonetheless
Explanation
NOTE
〜とはいえ means be that as it may — it accepts what was just said, then adds a contrasting point.
仕事は順調だ。とはいえ、油断はできない。
Work is going well. Be that as it may, I cannot let my guard down.
NOTE
Here とはいえ starts a new sentence as a conjunction. It is formal and links to the previous statement.
試験に合格した。とはいえ、まだ不安だ。
I passed the exam. Nonetheless, I am still anxious.
Unlike sense ①, it does not attach inside one clause but stands at the head of a sentence.
NOTE
As a standalone connector, place とはいえ at the start of the sentence, followed by a comma.
STRUCTURE
とはいえ、...
給料が上がった。とはいえ、生活は楽ではない。
Kyuuryou ga agatta. To wa ie, seikatsu wa raku de wa nai.
My salary went up. Be that as it may, life is not easy.
天気は晴れている。とはいえ、風が強い。
Tenki wa harete iru. To wa ie, kaze ga tsuyoi.
The weather is sunny. Nonetheless, the wind is strong.
計画は進んでいる。とはいえ、課題も多い。
Keikaku wa susunde iru. To wa ie, kadai mo ooi.
The plan is progressing. Be that as it may, there are many challenges too.
Practice exercises
1
練習を頑張った。とはいえ、結果は残念だった。
I worked hard at practice. Be that as it may, the result was disappointing.
Answer
とはいえ
2
売上は増えた。とはいえ、利益は少ない。
Sales increased. Nonetheless, the profit is small.
Answer
とはいえ
3
彼は謝った。とはいえ、許せない。
He apologized. Be that as it may, I cannot forgive him.
Answer
とはいえ
4
仕事は面白いとはいえ、体力が続かない。毎日残業するくらいなら、辞めたい。
My job is interesting, be that as it may, I can't keep up my physical strength. Rather than working overtime every day, I want to quit.
Answer
とはいえ
5
経験は豊富だとはいえ、若者には敵わない。彼の実力は、私とは比べものにならない。
He has abundant experience, nonetheless, he cannot compete with young people. His ability is nothing compared to mine.
Answer
とはいえ
6
彼は完璧だとはいえ、人間味に欠ける。彼をおいてこの仕事ができる者はいない。
He is perfect, be that as it may, he lacks humanity. There is none other than him who can do this job.
Answer
とはいえ
7
彼は優秀だとはいえ、欠点がないわけではない。
He is excellent, nonetheless, it's not that he has no flaws.
Answer
とはいえ
8
高価だとはいえ、投資に値する逸品だ。
It is expensive, nonetheless, it is an exquisite item worth investing in.
Answer
とはいえ