とは言うものの
Although, But, Although I say, Although it is said, Having said that
Structure
［い］Adjective + とは言うものの + Phrase
［な］Adjective + （だ）+ とは言うものの + Phrase
Noun + （だ）+ とは言うものの + Phrase
Phrase (A)。とは言うものの + Phrase (B)
Explanation
とは言うものの is a fixed phrase that can follow various word types. It is constructed from the particle と, the adverbial particle は, the verb 言う (to say), and the conjunction particle ものの (although). It is used to express 'while it's true that (A), (B)', where (A) is an acknowledged fact, and (B) is a contrasting or unexpected reality.
When connecting to nouns or な-Adjectives, だ must be placed before とは言うものの.
- 毎日勉強したとはいうものの、試験に落ちてしまった。Even though I studied every day, I ended up failing the test.
- このパソコンは値段が安いとはいうものの、すぐに壊れてしまった。Although this computer was inexpensive, it broke almost immediately.
- このアパートは静かだというものの、駅から遠くて不便だ。While it's true this apartment is quiet, it's inconveniently far from the station.
- もう春だというものの、まだコートが手放せない。Even though it's already spring, I still can't go without a coat.
This expression can also appear at the start of a sentence. In this case, it acknowledges a previously mentioned point before the speaker introduces a contrasting fact. The clause that follows ものの always contains the speaker's main point or the most critical piece of information.
Examples
このパソコンは値段が安いとは言うものの、すぐに壊れてしまいそうだ。
Although it's true that this computer is cheap, it looks like it's going to break down right away.
免許を取ったとは言うものの、まだ一人で運転するのは怖い。
Even though I got my driver's license, I'm still scared to drive by myself.
春になったとは言うものの、まだ寒い日が続いている。
Although spring has arrived, the cold days are still continuing.
このレストランはミシュランの星を持っているとは言うものの、私の口にはあまり合わなかった。
Even though this restaurant has a Michelin star, it didn't really suit my taste.
彼は社長だとは言うものの、社員よりも働いている。
Although he is the company president, he works even more than his employees.
明日は休日だ。とは言うものの、やらなければならない宿題が山ほどある。
Tomorrow is a day off. Having said that, I have a mountain of homework that I have to do.
あの店のラーメンは「絶品」だとは言うものの、値段もかなり高い。
While it's said that the ramen at that shop is 'exquisite', the price is also quite high.
薬を飲んだとは言うものの、まだ頭痛がする。
Even though I took the medicine, I still have a headache.
このアパートは駅から近くて便利だとは言うものの、家賃が高すぎる。
Although it's true that this apartment is convenient and close to the station, the rent is too expensive.
ダイエット中だとは言うものの、ケーキの誘惑には勝てなかった。
Even though I say I'm on a diet, I couldn't resist the temptation of cake.
彼は謝ったとは言うものの、本当に反省しているようには見えない。
Although he apologized, it doesn't look like he truly regrets it.
このアプリは無料だとは言うものの、広告が多すぎて使いにくい。
While it's true that this app is free, there are so many ads that it's hard to use.
試験に合格したとは言うものの、ギリギリの点数だった。
Although I did pass the exam, it was with a barely passing score.