JLPT N3. Slightly informal. Used mainly in conversation.

We have already covered the grammar for this phrase and the usage can be understood with a direct translation because we have similar expressions in English. The phrase is used to caveat a fact that you state in the prior clause.

彼が社長だといっても会社には社員が三人しかいません。
I say he’s a CEO, but the company only has three employees.

日本語ができるといってもまだ漢字を読んだり書いたりすることができない。
I say he can speak Japanese, but he cannot yet read or write kanji.

Note that in most cases we can form the same expression just by using “but” as a conjunction; but といっても has nuance that you are qualifying the prior statement rather than contradicting it.

You May Also Like

Saying “When” in Japanese: とき

Quite often “とき” is the first word that you meet to say ‘when’ in Japanese. The kanji (時) we…

Adverbs with Suru & Naru

We already know how to change an adjective to an adverb and connect it to a verb. 仕事しごとが早はやく終おわった。…

Expressing Disbelief

JLPT N3. Informal—used only in conversation. なんか and なんて are heard 1. Emphasis 今日はなんか暑いよね。 Today is so hot.…

Just Finished: 〜たばかり vs 〜たところ

We now have two ways of expressing that an action has just taken place. For example, “I’ve just…