JLPT N1 Grammar

〜といえども (to iedomo)

〜といえども (to iedomo)
“Even though; despite the fact that; even if”

This expression is used to acknowledge a certain fact or status while stating that the expected result or typical characteristic of that status does not follow. It emphasizes that even in an exceptional or high-level case, there are limitations, obligations, or unexpected realities.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary. It is a classic expression derived from classical Japanese (bungo).
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese, formal speeches, editorials, or high-level business documents (e.g., strategy papers, legal clauses, or formal apologies).
  • Nuance: It carries a grave and authoritative tone. It is often used to remind someone of a duty (e.g., "Even a CEO must...") or to highlight a surprising reality (e.g., "Even a global giant like Google..."). It suggests that the preceding noun/clause is an extreme or representative example, yet the following statement still holds true.

Format

  • Noun + といえども
    親といえども、子供のプライバシーを侵害してはいけない。 Even as a parent, you must not infringe on your child's privacy.
  • Verb (Plain Form) + といえども
    日本に住んでいるといえども、漢字がすべて読めるわけではない。 Even though I live in Japan, it doesn't mean I can read all the Kanji.
  • い-Adj + といえども
    いくら美味しいといえども、毎日食べれば飽きる。 No matter how delicious it may be, you'll get tired of it if you eat it every day.
  • な-Adj + だ + といえども
    不便だといえども、住めば都だ。 Even if it's inconvenient, once you live there, it's home.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Even for a skilled engineer, migrating a complex legacy system is no easy task.
  • 、、。
    Even a major corporation will be weeded out of the market if they disregard customer needs.
  • 、、。
    Even though we are a step behind, there is a chance of victory if we can provide unique added value.
  • 、。
    Even in the case of outsourcing work, one cannot escape responsibility regarding information leakage.
  • 、。
    Even though you may have a close relationship, you should not neglect business etiquette.

Similar Grammar

〜とはいえ (to wa ie)

“Although; but; having said that”
春とはいえ、まだ寒い日が続いている。 Although it’s spring, the cold days are continuing.

Difference:

  • Much more common in both speech and writing.
  • It is used to add a contrasting fact to what was just mentioned.
  • 〜といえども is much more formal and emphasizes the "extreme" nature of the example.

〜といっても (to itte mo)

“Although I say; even though one might call it...”
料理ができるといっても、卵焼きが作れるくらいだ。 Even though I say I can cook, it’s only to the extent of making rolled omelets.

Difference:

  • Used when the speaker wants to clarify or limit the listener's expectations.
  • It is less formal than 〜といえども.

〜ながらも (nagara mo)

“Even while; although”
残念ながらも、その提案は受け入れられなかった。 Although it's regrettable, that proposal was not accepted.

Difference:

  • Often used to describe a state or a contradiction in someone’s condition or feelings.

〜からといって (kara to itte)

“Just because...”
好きだからといって、そればかり食べてはいけない。 Just because you like it doesn't mean you should eat only that.

Difference:

  • Usually followed by a negative like 〜ない.
  • It warns that Reason A doesn't necessarily lead to Conclusion B.

〜にしても (ni shite mo)

“Even if; even granted that”
忙しいにしても、連絡くらいはできるはずだ。 Even if you're busy, you should at least be able to get in touch.

Difference:

  • Used when the speaker accepts a premise but expresses a personal opinion or feeling of "too much" or "still".

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. （　　　）、のとしてのをべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. の（　　　）、なにはない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のがに（　　　）、へのにすればよい。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、にはをこともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. （　　　）、をわけにはいかない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、こともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. がした（　　　）、のはとして。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. の（　　　）、このはしていただろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）、のをがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. の（　　　）、なかれ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. がした（　　　）、のをにすることは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. の（　　　）、のがわけではない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. 的たな（　　　）、とは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. が（　　　）、のはきれない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. （　　　）、がは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. が（　　　）、にする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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