とはいうもののthat is true, but
You grant a fact, then limit what follows from it: "that is true, but". It is the same move as とはいえ, longer and more hesitant, and it mostly opens a sentence or follows a clause.
opening a sentence
Spring has come. That said, mornings and evenings are still quite cold.
after a clause
Things have become more convenient, it's true, but the paperwork still takes time.
How to form it
Plain form + とはいうものの
なったとはいうものの, 静かだとはいうものの. A noun can also go straight on: 春とはいうものの. On its own, とはいうものの、 opens a sentence. Also written とは言うものの.
- After it
- A limit on what the fact would lead you to expect: まだ, わけではない, a doubt, a worry.
- Where you'll meet it
- Essays, columns, speeches, and careful conversation.
- In everyday talk
- けど, or といっても; to open a sentence, そうはいっても.
In use
I prepared thoroughly, it's true, but with the real thing in front of me I still feel uneasy.
He is an expert, granted, but he has no hands-on experience in this field.
Everything is ready. That said, a few small things still need checking.
とはいうものの or とはいえ?
The new system has begun. That said, it is still available only in limited areas.
Short and brisk.
The new system has begun. That said, it is still available only in limited areas.
The same point, made more slowly and with more reserve.
Close neighbours
とはいえN1
Grants a fact and limits what follows from it: "true, but". It also opens a sentence: "that said". Written, and fine in careful speech.
It may be spring, but it can still snow at the summit.
といえどもN1
Follows an extreme or privileged case and says the rule holds even there: "even a child", "even the president". Stiff and written. It doesn't open a sentence.
Even a child has to follow the rules.
もののN2
The plain written "although", after a clause only: it can't open a sentence. With 言った in the past, とは言ったものの is this one: "I did say so, but".
I said I would take it on, but I'm not confident I can do it well.
といってもN2
The everyday one. Mostly it cuts a word down to size: a trip, but only one night.
I call it a trip, but I only spent one night in the next town.
Check yourself
1Which one fits?
退院した。
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which ending fits?
一人
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
The plan has been approved, but the start date has not yet been decided.
This is a quiet town, granted, but the area around the station stays lively until late at night.
The system has been improved. That said, using it outside the big cities still comes with many restrictions.