N2 · Structured courses

～to wa Itte mo: Although It's Called...

Learn to wa itte mo for "although it's called A, in reality..." — correcting surface impressions. 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 itte mo for "although it's called A, in reality..." — correcting surface impressions.
  • Form and connection: [Plain form] とは言いっても
  • Nuance in real use: とは言っても is the grammatical manifestation of Japanese modesty — first state a label (e.g., "cooking is my hobby"), then immediately correct: "actually I just cook occasionally." This self-correction prevents appearing boastful.

Form and connection

[Plain form] とは言いっても

Core Explanation

Learn to wa itte mo for "although it's called A, in reality..." — correcting surface impressions.

Cultural Note

とは言っても is the grammatical manifestation of Japanese modesty — first state a label (e.g., "cooking is my hobby"), then immediately correct: "actually I just cook occasionally." This self-correction prevents appearing boastful.

Practical examples

Although cooking is my hobby, I only cook occasionally.
Although it's called Tokyo, I actually live in the suburbs.
Although I can speak English, it's just simple conversation.

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] とは言いっても
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerAlthough cooking is my hobby, I only cook occasionally.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer英語えいごができるとは言いっても、簡単かんたんな会話かいわだけだ。 ([Plain form] とは言いっても)

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