とは言え conjunction


I often hear とは言え used as a conjunction between sentences. What does it mean?

ALC didn't offer much help.




[It's on
ALC](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF%E3%81%84%E3%81%88&ref=sa).
It's listed in hiragana because it's a fossilized conjunction.

  * とはいえ: nevertheless; that being said; be it as it may

Etymologically, this is 'quotative-と' + 'thematic-は' + '已然形 of 言う（言ふ）'. Hence
literally "that being said."




[It's on
ALC](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF%E3%81%84%E3%81%88&ref=sa).
It's listed in hiragana because it's a fossilized conjunction.

  * とはいえ: nevertheless; that being said; be it as it may

Etymologically, this is 'quotative-と' + 'thematic-は' + '已然形 of 言う（言ふ）'. Hence
literally "that being said."

