とは言え (toha e)

Meaning & usage

とは言え concedes that a fact is true and then introduces a contrasting result, meaning even so or that said. It follows plain-form verbs and i-adjectives, and nouns or na-adjective stems without だ, as in 休んだとは言え or 春とは言え. It is common in written and formal speech for softening disagreement, and the clause after it often contains まだ, でも, or a negative evaluation.

Example sentences 8

1. あぁ……、若わかかったとはいえ、しょうもない凡ぼんミスだ。

   Ahh ... well I was young but what a stupid mistake.

2. いくら好きとは言え、３日連続カレーはきついよな。

   No matter how much you might think you like curry, three nights in a row is more than enough.

3. 春とは言え、朝晩はまだ寒い。

   Even though it's spring, mornings and evenings are still cold.

4. 冗談とは言え、言い過ぎだよ。

   Even as a joke, that went too far.

5. 知っているとは言え、説明は難しい。

   Even though I know it, it's hard to explain.

6. 近いとは言え、歩くには遠い。

   It may be close, but it's too far to walk.

7. 休んだとは言え、疲れが取れない。

   I did rest, but I still feel tired.

8. 安いとは言え、質は悪くない。

   Cheap as it is, the quality isn't bad.