GRAMMAR
〜とはいえ ①
although
even though
Explanation
NOTE
〜とはいえ means although — it accepts a fact, then states something that contrasts with it.
春とはいえ、まだ寒い日が続く。
Although it is spring, cold days still continue.
NOTE
It is formal and often written. The second part contradicts what the first part would lead you to expect.
新人とはいえ、彼の仕事は完璧だ。
Even though he is a newcomer, his work is perfect.
The contrast often surprises the listener or goes against common assumptions.
NOTE
With a noun or na-adjective, attach とはいえ directly to the plain word, with no だ.
STRUCTURE
N辞
とはいえ休日とはいえ、やる仕事が多い。
Kyuujitsu to wa ie, yaru shigoto ga ooi.
Although it is a holiday, there is a lot of work to do.
子供とはいえ、彼の言葉は鋭い。
Kodomo to wa ie, kare no kotoba wa surudoi.
Even though he is a child, his words are sharp.
有名とはいえ、その店は静かだ。
Yuumei to wa ie, sono mise wa shizuka da.
Although it is famous, that shop is quiet.
Practice exercises
1
初心者とはいえ、彼女はとても上手だ。
Although she is a beginner, she is very skilled.
Answer
とはいえ
2
夏とはいえ、朝は少し涼しい。
Although it is summer, the mornings are a little cool.
Answer
とはいえ
3
専門家とはいえ、彼も時には間違える。
Even though he is an expert, he sometimes makes mistakes.
Answer
とはいえ
4
N1文法とはいえ、使い方は単純だ。
Although it's N1 grammar, the usage is simple.
Answer
とはいえ
5
昔はいざ知らず、夏とはいえまだ涼しい。
I don't know about the past, but although it's summer, it's still cool.
Answer
とはいえ
6
優勝しないまでも、素人とはいえかなり上手だ。
Not to the extent of winning, but even though they're an amateur, they're quite skilled.
Answer
とはいえ
7
注意をよそに、新車とはいえもう傷がある。
Disregarding the warning, although it's a new car, it already has scratches.
Answer
とはいえ
8
安いとはいえ、品質は意外に高い。
Although it's cheap, the quality is surprisingly high.
Answer
とはいえ