What it means
と言っても introduces a qualification or correction to something just stated or assumed. It can mean “although I say...” or “even if one says...,” but the speaker usually does not fully accept the impression created by the preceding statement. The following clause narrows, weakens, or contrasts with that impression. It commonly follows a plain verb, an i-adjective, a noun, or a na-adjective used as the content of the statement.
Usage note
In polite speech, と言いましても is a natural polite counterpart. The content before this expression is usually in plain form because it functions as quoted or stated content; the politeness is expressed by the ending phrase and the rest of the sentence.
How to use it
初心者と言いましても、毎週三回は練習しています。
Although I call myself a beginner, I practice three times every week.
便利と言いましても、夜は店が少ないです。
Although I say it is convenient, there are few shops at night.
安いと言いましても、五千円はします。
Although I say it is inexpensive, it costs at least five thousand yen.
海外で働いていると言いましても、三か月だけです。
Although I work overseas, it is only for three months.
初心者と言っても、毎週三回は練習している。
Although I call myself a beginner, I practice three times every week.
便利と言っても、夜は店が少ない。
Although I say it is convenient, there are few shops at night.
安いと言っても、五千円はする。
Although I say it is inexpensive, it costs at least five thousand yen.
海外で働いていると言っても、三か月だけだ。
Although I work overseas, it is only for three months.