とは言え
Though, Although (I admit that), Be that as it may, Nonetheless
Structure
［い］Adjective + とはいえ + Phrase
Noun + （だ）+ とはいえ + Phrase
［な］Adjective + （だ）+ とはいえ + Phrase
Phrase (A)。とはいえ + Phrase (B)
Explanation
とは言え is a common grammatical structure in Japanese used to introduce a contrasting idea. It is frequently translated as 'even though (A), (B)' or 'nevertheless, (B)'. Grammatically, it uses the quotative particle と combined with the topic particle は to first acknowledge a statement (A) before presenting a different, often unexpected, reality (B).
Because this expression starts with と, it can follow any complete clause in its plain form.
- 大学を卒業したとはいえ、まだ仕事が見つからない。Even though I graduated from college, I still haven't been able to find a job.
- このアパートは安いといえ、駅から遠いので少し不便だ。Although this apartment is inexpensive, it's a little inconvenient since it's far from the station.
- ここは静かだといえ、夜の一人歩きは危ないかもしれない。Although it's quiet around here, walking alone at night might be dangerous.
- 初心者とはいえ、彼のテニスの実力はなかなかのものだ。Although he is a beginner, his tennis ability is actually quite impressive.
The typical function of とはいえ is to concede a fact (A), only to immediately counter it with a statement (B) that one might not expect. The first part of the sentence, (A), is usually a point that is accepted as true.
Examples
試験に合格したとは言え、まだ喜ぶのは早い。
Although I passed the exam, it's still too early to celebrate.
ここは田舎とは言え、生活に必要なものは何でもそろう。
Although this place is in the countryside, you can get everything you need for daily life.
このアパートは駅から近いとは言え、家賃が少し高すぎる。
While it's true this apartment is close to the station, the rent is a bit too expensive.
彼はまだ新人だとは言え、仕事の覚えが非常に速い。
Be that as it may that he's still a newcomer, he's an incredibly fast learner at work.
料理ができるとは言え、作れるのは簡単なものだけです。
Although I can cook, I can only make simple dishes.
もう春だとは言え、朝晩はまだ冷え込む日が多い。
Although it's already spring, there are still many days when it gets chilly in the morning and evening.
セールで安くなっていたとは言え、あんなにたくさん服を買う必要はなかった。
Although it's true things were cheap because of the sale, there was no need to buy that many clothes.
謝罪されたとは言え、彼のしたことを簡単に許すことはできない。
Although I received an apology, I can't easily forgive what he did.
プロジェクトは完了したとは言え、まだ解決すべき小さな問題がいくつか残っている。
Be that as it may that the project is complete, there are still several small issues left to resolve.
彼は医者だとは言え、専門外の病気については分からないこともあるだろう。
Although he is a doctor, there are probably things he doesn't know about illnesses outside his specialty.
スマートフォンは便利だとは言え、使いすぎは目に悪い。
Having said that smartphones are convenient, using them too much is bad for your eyes.
ニュース：「台風は過ぎ去ったとは言え、川の水位は依然として高いままなので、警戒を続けてください。」
News: 'Although the typhoon has passed, the river's water level still remains high, so please continue to be cautious.'