It is a conjunction that means “having said that“. It is used to say contradictory things about what has just been said. “そうは言っても“ has the same meaning and both of them are used in everyday conversation. “とは言うものの“ has the same meaning and it is more formal.
Meg and Amy are on their way to work.
- Meg: Good morning. Oh, we’re going to be late for work.
おはよう。あっ、(仕事に)遅れそう。 - Amy: Really? I’ve been busy lately so I’m drained.
本当？最近忙しくて、疲れちゃった。 - Meg: I know how you feel, but hurry up!
分かるけど、急いで！ - Amy: I don’t want to go to work!
仕事に行きたくない！ - Meg:That said, you still have to go to work.
とはいえ、行かなきゃね。
Ken and Leo are talking about working out to get in shape.
- Ken: I can’t seem to build muscle mass. How can I get a bigger chest like you?
筋肉がつきづらい、みたい。どうやったら、リオみたいに、胸板を厚くできるんだろ？ - Leo: I don’t really like weight training. Still, I try to go to the gym every other day. And I include protein in my diet.
筋トレ、あんまり好きじゃない。とはいえ、一日おきにジムに行って、プロテインを摂っているよ。
Meg is preparing for the meeting with her clients from the US.
- Amy: What time are your clients coming?
何時に、お客様は来るの？ - Meg: They’re going to be here in 2 hours. I’m so nervous. Although I can speak English, I have only a casual conversation.
二時間後。緊張するな。英語を話せるとはいえ、日常会話レベルだから。