とはいえ and といえども
This page explains とはいえ and といえども, two patterns meaning “but..” (といっても)
- とはいえ – Even though
- といえども – Even if
These patterns are usually かな but may appear as とは言え orと雖も
とはいえ
Even though
Statement + とはいえ
とはいえ means “Even though“
This pattern is commonly spoken.
It is to add contrary information to a statement that is true.
The contrary information may be fact or opinion, but will not be a command.
This pattern may be used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle as a conjunction.
とはいうものの has the same meaning.
Examples
- 忙しいとはいえ、電話ぐらいはできるはずだろう。
Even though you’re busy, you could at least call right? - 頑張ったとはいえ、失敗してしまった
Even though I tried, I still failed. - 12月に入ったとはいえ、まだ年末という気がしない (新完全マスターN1）
Even though its already December, it still doesn’t feel like the end of the year.
といえども
Even if
Statement + といえども
といえども means “Even if“.
It is an older, mostly literary version of とはいえ with some tiny differences.
It may be used for things that are true, but is commonly used with hypotheticals.
It tends to be used for strong statements (Duty, values, judgments).
Frequently pairs with words like たとえ, どんなに, いくら
といえども can only appear mid-sentence and never at the start. (source)
中らずと雖も遠からず
Even if not right, not far from it.
Is an expression using といえども (と雖も）
Examples
- 仕方なかったといえども、犯罪行為は許せない
Even if it was unavoidable, criminal conduct can’t be forgiven. - 親友といえども、その友情を維持する努力が必要である。(Weblio)
Even if you are best friends, you still have to make an effort to maintain that friendship. - 凄腕といえども、これはさすがに難しいだろう
Even if they are very skilled, this is going to be difficult right? - 世界がの終わりといえども、僕はあきらめない
Even if its the end of the world, I won’t give up.
Notes
とはいえ
- Even though
- Spoken
- Gives contrary facts or opinions about a true statement.
- May be used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle
といえども (と雖も)
- Even if
- Almost exclusively written. More common in old sentences.
- True statements and hypothetical statements ok.
- Gives strong contrary opinion or fact (Duty, Values, Judgments)
- Used only in the middle of a sentence.
- Frequently seen with words like たとえ or degree stressing words (どんなに。。)