N2 · Structured courses

～to wa Ie: That Said / Having Said That

Learn to wa ie for "that said" — conceding A while adding a counterpoint or limitation. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn to wa ie for "that said" — conceding A while adding a counterpoint or limitation.
  • Form and connection: [Plain form（常为Noun/な形）] とは言いえ
  • Nuance in real use: とは言え demonstrates Japanese dialectical thinking — facts can coexist even when seemingly contradictory. It's not either/or but "both A and B" — a pluralistic perspective.

Form and connection

[Plain form（常为Noun/な形）] とは言いえ

Core Explanation

Learn to wa ie for "that said" — conceding A while adding a counterpoint or limitation.

Cultural Note

とは言え demonstrates Japanese dialectical thinking — facts can coexist even when seemingly contradictory. It's not either/or but "both A and B" — a pluralistic perspective.

Practical examples

It's spring, that said, it's still cold.
It's cheap, that said, the quality is good.
He's a doctor, that said, there are things he doesn't know either.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Plain form（常为Noun/な形）] とは言いえ
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerIt's spring, that said, it's still cold.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer医者いしゃとは言いえ、彼かれにもわからないことがある。 ([Plain form（常为Noun/な形）] とは言いえ)

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