Japanese grammar
What does ～といえども mean? Japanese grammar N1
～といえども means even though…; even someone who is….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N・普通形 + といえども |
| Romaji | toiedomo |
| Meaning | even though…; even someone who is… |
Forming it
| Noun (child) | 子供 + といえども |
|---|---|
| Noun (expert) | 専門家 + といえども |
How to use it
States that even though A is expected to be an exception/a strong case, B still holds true. Concessive, formal.
- 「～といえども」 = “even if it is A, still B”. A is expected to be a strong/exceptional case, but B still holds true.
- A formal concessive expression, close to 「でも／とはいっても」 but more literary.
- The latter clause usually contradicts what A suggests.
Examples
専門家といえども、間違えることはある。
Even an expert can make mistakes.
子供といえども、油断はできない。
Even with a child, you can’t let your guard down.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to a noun/普通形.
- Concessive: even if A is strong, still the same.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong専門家といえども、正しい。
Even being an expert, he's still correct.
Correct専門家といえども、間違える。
The clause after 「といえども」 usually CONTRADICTS what A suggests (an expert → one would expect always correct, but here still wrong).
-
Wrong難しいといえどもに、諦めない。
No matter how difficult, I won't give up.
Correct難しいといえども、諦めない。
Attaches directly, without adding 「に」.
Exam tips
- 「といえども」 = even if it is A, still (concessive, formal); the latter clause contradicts A.