とはいえ (towa-ie): Although; be that as it may
～とはいえ (towa-ie)
Meaning
Although; be that as it may
Formation and usage
plain clause／N + とはいえ
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Concedes a prior description before adding an important qualification; it can also connect sentences.
Examples
小規模な会議とはいえ、準備を省くことはできない。
Although it is a small event, the meeting, preparation cannot be skipped.
小規模な試験とはいえ、準備を省くことはできない。
Although it is a small event, the exam, preparation cannot be skipped.
小規模な研修とはいえ、準備を省くことはできない。
Although it is a small event, the training session, preparation cannot be skipped.
小規模な発表会とはいえ、準備を省くことはできない。
Although it is a small event, the presentation event, preparation cannot be skipped.
小規模な面接とはいえ、準備を省くことはできない。
Although it is a small event, the interview, preparation cannot be skipped.
How related patterns differ
くせに often reproaches; ものの and とはいえ qualify an admitted fact. にもかかわらず contradicts expectations; といえども and とて are formal concessions. たところで often judges an action ineffective; からといって rejects an automatic inference.