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〜とはいうものの

having said that, although (it's true that)

Plain form / Noun + とはいうものの

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とはいうものの admits something is true in name or in principle, then adds a reality that doesn't match: 春とはいうものの、まだ寒い日が続く, "it may be spring, but the cold days go on".

It's built from と言う ("say") plus ものの (N2, "although"), so it's literally "although one says that…". The second half is usually a gap between the label and reality, or a lingering doubt.

It's very close to とはいえ (N2) and とはいっても. とはいうものの is a little more formal and reflective.

Compare というより (N3), "rather than", which corrects a description instead of conceding it.

Examples

  • 春はるとはいうものの、まだ寒さむい日ひが続つづく。

    It may be spring, but the cold days go on.

  • 自分じぶんで決きめたとはいうものの、不安ふあんもある。

    Although it was my own decision, I do have worries.

  • 日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうしているとはいうものの、まだ簡単かんたんな会話かいわしかできない。

    I say I'm studying Japanese, but I can still only manage simple conversations.

  • 夏休なつやすみとはいうものの、毎日部活まいにちぶかつがある。

    It's the summer holidays, supposedly, but I have club activities every day.

  • 安やすいとはいうものの、やはり買かうのは迷まよう。

    Cheap as it is, I'm still in two minds about buying it.

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