Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 9: 10/20

とは言(い)うもののAlthough, But, Although I say, Although it is said, Having said that

Structure

Verb + とは言(い)うものの + Phrase
［い］Adjective + とは言う(い)ものの + Phrase
［な］Adjective + （だ）+ とは言(い)うものの + Phrase
Noun + （だ）+ とは言(い)うものの + Phrase
Phrase (A)。とは言(い)うものの + Phrase (B)

Details

  • Standard

About とは言うものの

とは言(い)うものの is a set expression that may be used after most types of words, it is a combination of と as a case-marking particle, は as an adverbial particle, the う-Verb 言(い)う, and the conjunction particle ものの 'although'. Its literal translation of 'although it is said that (A), (B)' is the same as how it will usually be interpreted in English.

When used after either nouns or な-Adjectives, だ will precede とは言(い)うものの.

This phrase may also be used at the beginning of sentences when acknowledging a statement that was made, but then pointing out that there is other important information as well. In all cases, the (B) phrase that comes after ものの will be considered the important or defining detail.

Vocab Coverage

All Bunpro Vocab that appears on this item.

Examples

--:--

  • 数学(すうがく)は時間(じかん)の無駄(むだ)だとは言(い)うものの、やはり基本(きほん)を知(し)る価値(かち)だってある。

    Although it is said that math is a waste of time, actually, learning the basics still has its value.

  • 彼(かれ)はホラー作家(さっか)として知(し)られているとは言(い)うものの、傑作(けっさく)と言(い)えるものは１９８２(せんきゅうひゃくはちじゅうに)年(ねん)に出版(しゅっぱん)された犯罪(はんざい)小説(しょうせつ)だ。

    Although he is known as a horror author, what can be called his masterpiece is actually a crime novel that was published in 1982.

  • チェコの「ストラホフ・スタジアム」は「世界(せかい)最大(さいだい)のスポーツスタジアム」とは言(い)うものの、実際(じっさい)にはスポーツ目的(もくてき)にはほとんど使(つか)われていない。

    Although the Czech 'Strahov Stadium' is said to be the 'world's largest sports stadium', in practice it is hardly used for sports purposes.

  • このカフェは人気(にんき)が高(たか)いとは言(い)うものの、実際(じっさい)には知(し)る人(ひと)ぞ知(し)る所(ところ)だ。

    Although I say that this coffeehouse is popular, actually that's limited to the people that know the place.

  • それは「人工(じんこう)知能(ちのう)」とは言(い)うものの、まだ「知能(ちのう)」というよりも「コンピューター」に近(ちか)いものだ。

    Although that is called 'artificial intelligence', it is still closer to a 'computer' than actual 'intelligence'.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

  • Online

    • Offline

        • A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar

          Page 274

        • Shin Kanzen Master N1 Bunpou

          Page 64

        • Sou Matome Bunpou N1

          Page 17

      • Track Resources!

        Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.

      とは言うものの – Grammar Discussion

        There's currently no discussion for とは言うものの
        Ask questions and learn together with other Bunpro users!

      Join the Discussion