〜とはいえ
Be that as it may 〜とはいえ
Meaning
"Although ~", "be that as it may" — concedes a known fact, then denies the expectation it creates.
Formation
[plain form] / [noun] / [na-adjective] + とはいえ
Notes
Written and formal; 〜とはいうものの is the longer spoken variant. The conceded clause must be something both sides accept as true, which is what separates it from plain が or けれども.
Examples
春（はる）とはいえ、まだ風（かぜ）が冷（つめ）たいです。
Although it is spring, the wind is still cold.
Breakdown
忙（いそが）しいとはいえ、食事（しょくじ）は大切（たいせつ）です。
Busy though you may be, meals matter.
Breakdown
便利（べんり）とはいえ、使（つか）いすぎはよくありません。
Convenient though it is, overusing it is not good.
Breakdown
引っ越（ひっこ）したとはいえ、隣町（となりまち）ですから近（ちか）いです。
Although I moved, it is the next town, so it is close.
Breakdown
社長（しゃちょう）とはいえ、一人（ひとり）では何（なに）もできません。
Even though he is the president, he can do nothing alone.
Breakdown
⚠️ Often confused with
〜が、〜
But 〜が
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". More formal/written than けど.
〜けど、〜
But 〜けど (colloquial)
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". The everyday spoken equivalent of が...
〜のに
Although 〜のに
Contrast with feeling — "although ~", "even though ~". Carries surprise, disappointment or...
〜くせに
Even though (reproach) 〜くせに
"Even though ~", "and yet ~" — with contempt, blame or resentment.
〜ながらも
Although (formal) 〜ながらも
"Although ~", "while ~" — a written contrast between two facts held at once.
〜にもかかわらず
In spite of 〜にもかかわらず
"In spite of ~", "despite ~" — a strong, formal contrast.
〜わりに
Considering 〜わりに
"Considering ~", "for a ~" — the result is out of proportion with what you would expect.
〜ものの
Although (written) 〜ものの
"Although ~", "~, but" — the expected consequence did not follow.
〜といえども
Even granting that 〜といえども
"Even though ~", "even ~ (of all people)" — a very formal concession.