そうかと言って (soukato tte)

Meaning & usage

そうかと言って means "even so" or "having said that" and is used after conceding a point to add a contrasting limit or negative conclusion. It is a fixed conjunction placed at the start of a new sentence, following a complete statement such as 分かった or 気持ちは分かる, with そう pointing back to that acknowledged content. It is common in conversation and explanatory writing, and it sounds unnatural without a clear prior acknowledgment because そう then has nothing to refer to.

Example sentences 4

1. 安やすいのは分わかった。そうかと言いって、壊こわれそうな物ものは買かえない。

   I understand it's cheap. That said, I can't buy something that looks like it'll break.

2. 便利なのは確かだ。そうかと言って、毎日は使わない。

   It's certainly convenient. Having said that, I don't use it every day.

3. 気持ちは分かるよ。そうかと言って、許せないこともある。

   I understand how you feel. That said, there are things I can't forgive.

4. 欲しいのは本当だ。そうかと言って、借金はできない。

   I really do want it. Having said that, I can't go into debt for it.