とは言え (toha e)

Meaning & usage

とは言え (often in the negative as とは言えない) is placed after a noun or na-adjective to qualify a statement, meaning something cannot quite be called that thing, or conceding a point before adding a contrast. It commonly appears with ない, as in 優秀とは言えないまでも, and suits both spoken and written Japanese.

Example sentences 8

1. ケリーさんが聖者せいじゃのような暮くらしを送おくったとは言いえない。

   I can't say that Mr. Kelly has lived a saint's life.

2. 大きさをお考えならば、その家は立派とは言えません。

   The house is not impressive if you're thinking of size.

3. 高速道路を走る時は、いくら注意しても十分とは言えない。

   You can't be too careful driving on the expressway.

4. 君のレポートは、優秀とは言えないまでもかなりよい。

   Your report is pretty good, if not excellent.

5. 七面鳥なしじゃぁ、感謝祭のディナーとは言えないね。

   It's not a Thanksgiving dinner without turkey.

6. 全てを考えあわせてみると、彼が間違っているとは言えない。

   All things considered, we cannot say that he is wrong.

7. すべてを考慮に入れると、それが間違っているとは言えない。

   All things considered, we cannot say that it is wrong.

8. 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.