～といえども

When to use

Very formal, literary "even though/even if" - classical register.

Explanation

The ～といえども grammar point is used to show a contrast or contradiction. It is similar to 'even though' or 'although' in English. It can be used with nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., to emphasize that the reality is different from the assumption or label.

• 彼かれが天才てんさいといえども、ミスをすることはあります。

  Even though he’s a genius, he still makes mistakes.

  Kare ga tensai to iedomo, misu o suru koto wa arimasu.

• このパソコンが新あたらしいといえども、問題もんだいがあります。

  Even though this computer is new, it has problems.

  Kono pasokon ga atarashii to iedomo, mondai ga arimasu.

• 春はるといえども、まだ寒さむい日ひがあります。

  Even though it's spring, there are still cold days.

  Haru to iedomo, mada samui hi ga arimasu.

• 彼女かのじょが一番いちばん好すきな人ひとといえども、嫌いやなことは嫌いやです。

  Even though she’s my favorite person, unpleasant things are still unpleasant.

  Kanojo ga ichiban suki na hito to iedomo, iya na koto wa iya desu.

Concession (Even Though / Although / Despite)

• ～ても/でも〜te mo/demoN4Expresses 'even if' or 'even though'; used to convey…
• ～といっても〜to ittemoN3Express the meaning 'even though', 'although', 'but'.
• ～ところが〜tokoro gaN3Expresses a contrast or unexpected outcome; 'however'…
• A。それなのに B。~sorenanoniN2Express contrast or a contradiction between two situations…
• ～くせに〜kuse niN3Used to express criticism or disapproval; 'even though'…
• ～わりには〜wari ni waN3Expresses contrast between expectation and reality…
• ～にもかかわらず〜ni mo kakawarazuN2Expresses 'despite', 'in spite of' or 'even though'.
• ～ながらも〜nagara moN1Means 'even though' or 'despite'.
• Noun にしてNoun ni shiteN1Expresses the idea 'even for', 'even though', or 'in spite…
• ～とはいえ～to wa ieN1Even though; although; but
• ～に反して〜ni hanshiteN2Contrary to, against, in spite of
• ～のに〜no niN4Used to express contrast between expectation and reality…
• ～ことは…が～koto wa... gaN3Indicates that while something may be true or valid, there…
• ～かと思いきや〜ka to omoikiyaN1Expressing unexpected outcomes; 'just when I thought...'…

Compare when to use each