Japatan
Formation
- N + といえども
- 普通形 + といえども
- いかなる/どんな + N + といえども
Explanation
A といえども B is a formal way of saying 'even A, B.' A is often someone of high status or something special (an expert, a company president), or a minimal amount like 一日 (one day) or 一円 (one yen), stressing that even A is no exception. B is usually a negative, an obligation, or the speaker's judgment, such as わけではない, てはいけない or なければならない.
Examples
専門家といえども、すべての問題に答えられるわけではない。
Even experts can't answer every question.
子どもといえども、公共の場ではルールを守らなければならない。
Even children must follow the rules in public places.
試合の前は、一日といえども練習を休むわけにはいかない。
Before a match, I can't skip practice even for a single day.
規則を知らなかったといえども、責任がないとは言えない。
Even though he didn't know the rule, that doesn't mean he has no responsibility.
Notes
It is more formal than とはいえ and rare in casual speech. If B is simply what you would expect from A, the sentence becomes unnatural.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1社長（ ）、会社のお金を自由に使っていいわけではない。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 といえども
"Even the company president can't use the company's money freely." だけあって (as expected of), とあって (because of the special situation) and につけ (whenever) do not fit.
2一円（ ）、税金を無駄にしてはいけない。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 といえども
"Not even one yen of tax money should be wasted." といえども stresses a minimal amount. ばかりか (not only), だけに (precisely because) and ほど (to the extent) do not fit.
3「といえども」の使い方がいちばん正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 大学生といえども、この問題は簡単には解けない。
1 means "Even university students can't easily solve this problem." In 2, 3 and 4 the second half is just what you would expect, so there is no contrast for といえども.
