Processing keyword: ～といっても (〜to ittemo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～といっても (〜to ittemo)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～といっても (〜to ittemo) is a common expression in Japanese that translates to "even though (one) says..." or "although it is said...". It is used to clarify or downplay a statement by presenting it in a more modest or realistic light. This expression helps convey contrast between expectations and reality.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation: "Even though (one) says...", "Although it is said...", "But in reality...", "Even if..."
• Function: To introduce a statement that contrasts with what the listener might expect from the preceding information.

Structure

The structure of ～といっても is quite straightforward and can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

Formation Diagram

Component	How to Form
Verb (Plain Form)	動詞 + といっても
Noun	Noun + といっても
い-Adjective	い形容詞 + といっても
な-Adjective	な形容詞 + だ + といっても

Examples of Formation

1. Verb Example:
   • 食べる といっても、サラダだけです。
   • Even though I say I'll eat, it's only salad.
2. Noun Example:
   • 休日 といっても、仕事があります。
   • Even though it's a holiday, I have work.
3. い-Adjective Example:
   • 暑い といっても、涼しい日があります。
   • Even though it's said to be hot, there are cool days.
4. な-Adjective Example:
   • 静か だ といっても、夜はにぎやかです。
   • Even though it's said to be quiet, it's lively at night.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ～けれども (〜keredomo)

	～といっても	～けれども
Meaning	Highlights a contrast between expectation and reality.	Simply expresses contrast or contradiction.
Translation	"Even though (one) says...", "But in reality..."	"But", "Although", "However"
Usage Example	高い といっても、買えない値段ではない。 Even though it's said to be expensive, it's not unaffordable.	高い けれども、買いたいです。 It's expensive, but I want to buy it.
Key Difference: ～といっても often downplays or moderates the preceding statement, whereas ～けれども presents a straightforward contrast.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 会議に参加するといっても、オブザーバーとしてだけです。
   • Even though I say I'll participate in the meeting, it's only as an observer.

Informal Speech

2. ダイエットするといっても、あまり厳しくないよ。
   • Even though I say I'm dieting, it's not very strict.

Written Context

3. 成功したといっても、まだ始まったばかりです。
   • Even though it's said we've succeeded, it's only just begun.

Spoken Context

4. 日本に住んでいるといっても、短い間だけです。
   • Even though I say I live in Japan, it's only for a short time.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, there is a cultural tendency to be modest and avoid overstating achievements or situations. Using ～といっても allows the speaker to present information while downplaying it to maintain humility and manage the listener's expectations.

Levels of Politeness

• The expression can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adding formal endings like です/ます maintains politeness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 趣味といっても、たまにするだけです。
  • Even though I say it's a hobby, I only do it occasionally.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusing ～といっても with simply quoting someone using と言う.

  • Correction: Remember that ～といっても is not just stating what someone said, but presenting a contrast.

• Mistake: Misplacing といっても in a sentence.

  • Correction: Place といっても immediately after the word or phrase being downplayed.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of といっても as "even if I say...", helping you remember it's used to temper statements.
• Practice: Create sentences about your own life where you can modestly downplay a fact.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～といっても is used to contrast expectations with reality.
• It adds modesty or clarification to statements.
• Can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
• Important in expressing humility in Japanese culture.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ～といっても?

   • a) To quote someone directly.
   • b) To show contrast between expectations and reality.
   • c) To express a reason.

2. Choose the correct usage of ～といっても:

   • a) 彼は学生 といっても、先生です。
   • b) 彼は先生 といっても、学生です。

3. Translate the following sentence:

   • 高いといっても、買えない値段ではない。

Answers:

1. b) To show contrast between expectations and reality.
2. b) 彼は先生といっても、学生です。
   • (Even though he is called a teacher, he's a student.)
3. "Even though it's said to be expensive, it's not an unaffordable price."

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