Japanese grammar
What does ～といっても mean? Japanese grammar N3
～といっても means although one says that ~, in reality…; even though ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + といっても N／な形 + （だ）+ といっても |
| Romaji | toittemo |
| Meaning | although one says that ~, in reality…; even though ~ |
Forming it
| Noun | 社長 → 社長といっても |
|---|---|
| Adjective | 辛い → 辛いといっても |
How to use it
Corrects an expectation: A is true, but the actual extent is far lower than the listener might assume.
- 「AといってもB」 = it's called A, but actually B. B lowers the expectation: 「社長といっても、社員は三人だけだ」.
- The clause after often has 「ただの・たった・だけ・ほんの少し」 to emphasize how much smaller the reality is.
- Different from 「とはいえ」 (N1, formal) and 「ものの」: 「といっても」 is the most natural colloquial form and always aims to CORRECT the listener's assumption.
Examples
社長といっても、社員は三人だけの小さな会社です。
I say "president", but it is a small company with only three employees.
このスープは辛いといっても、子どもでも食べられる程度です。
This soup is spicy, but only mildly enough for children to eat.
Keep in mind
- The following clause must lower the expectation raised by A.
- For nouns, 「だ」 can be dropped.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong社長といっても、会社はとても大きいです。
Although he's called a director, the company is very large.
Correct社長といっても、社員は三人だけです。
The clause after must LOWER the expectation, not raise it further.
-
Wrong辛いといってもだ、おいしい。
Although it's spicy, it's delicious.
Correct辛いといっても、おいしい。
After 「といっても」, connect directly, without adding 「だ」.
Exam tips
- 「といっても」 = it's called A but actually B (lowers expectation); often with 「だけ・ただの」.