JLPT N1 reference · Concession and restriction

とはいえ

It accepts a characterization and then restricts the inference that might normally follow from it.

Core meaning and form

Attach とはいえ to a quoted proposition, noun, or plain clause. It is useful when the first claim is valid but insufficient as a complete account.

Form: Attach とはいえ to a quoted proposition, noun, or plain clause.
Core use: It accepts a characterization and then restricts the inference that might normally follow from it.
Context: It is useful when the first claim is valid but insufficient as a complete account.

春とはいえ、朝晩はまだ寒い。Haru towa ie, asaban wa mada samui.Although it is spring, mornings and evenings are still cold.

専門家とはいえ、間違うこともある。Senmonka towa ie, machigau koto mo aru.Even experts sometimes make mistakes.

回復したとはいえ、無理はできない。Kaifuku shita towa ie, muri wa dekinai.Although I have recovered, I cannot overdo it.

Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.

Attach とはいえ to a quoted proposition, noun, or plain clause.
It accepts a characterization and then restricts the inference that might normally follow from it.
It is useful when the first claim is valid but insufficient as a complete account.