Japanese grammar
What does ～と言っても～ mean? Japanese grammar N2
～と言っても～ means even though one says…, in reality.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + と言っても |
| Romaji | toittemo |
| Meaning | even though one says…, in reality |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form + と言っても |
|---|
How to use it
A concession: acknowledges calling it A, but clarifies that reality is not quite what one might expect.
- 「～と言っても」 = although one might say A, in fact… The second clause CLARIFIES the expectation that A suggests.
- The second clause usually states something smaller in scale than expected: 「料理と言っても、卵を焼くだけです」.
- Different from 「～とはいえ」 (more formal); 「～といっても」 is only a different way of writing the same thing.
Examples
料理ができると言っても、簡単な物だけです。
Although I say I can cook, I only make simple dishes.
春と言っても、朝はまだ寒い。
Even though it is spring, mornings are still cold.
Keep in mind
- The following clause corrects the expectation.
- Usually lowers the degree compared to A.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong春と言うでも、まだ寒い。
Correct春と言っても、まだ寒い。
The fixed phrase uses 言っても, not 言うでも.
Exam tips
- 「と言っても」 = although one might say A, in fact…; the second clause corrects the expectation.