～はいいとしても

Japanese Grammar Advanced Japanese ★★★ 3/5 neutral はいいとしてもwa ii to shite mo
Reading はいいとしても
Romaji wa ii to shite mo
Formation Noun / Clause + はいいとしても + Clause

Meaning

A phrase conveying 'even if we accept X, Y is still a problem.' It concedes one point while drawing attention to a more significant concern or objection.

はいいとしても is used when the speaker is willing to accept or overlook one aspect of a situation but wants to highlight another aspect that remains problematic. The first part (before はいいとしても) is the conceded point, and the second part introduces the real concern. It carries a nuance of grudging acceptance — the speaker is not entirely happy with the conceded point but sets it aside strategically to focus on the bigger issue. It is useful in discussions, negotiations, and critical evaluations. Learners sometimes confuse it with としても alone, which is a broader conditional concession without the nuance of 'accepting one thing to criticize another.' The pattern naturally invites contrast between the two clauses.

Examples

  1. デザインはいいとしても、使い勝手が悪すぎる。 Even if the design is acceptable, the usability is far too poor.
  2. 値段はいいとしても、納期が三ヶ月というのは長すぎないか。 Even if the price is fine, isn't a three-month delivery time too long?
  3. 本人が納得しているのはいいとしても、周囲への影響を考えるべきだ。 Even if the person himself is satisfied, one should consider the impact on those around him.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, argumentative

Tone: critical

Do Say

  • 給料はいいとしても、毎日終電まで働くのは体が持たない。
  • 場所はいいとしても、収容人数が足りないのではないか。
  • 趣味として楽しむのはいいとしても、仕事に支障が出るほどのめり込むのは考えものだ。

Don't Say

  • デザインはいいとしても、機能も素晴らしい。(Following はいいとしても with a positive — the pattern expects a contrasting concern or problem in the second clause) → デザインはいいとしても、機能面にはまだ改善の余地がある。
  • 全部はいいとしても。(Ending the sentence after はいいとしても — the pattern requires a second clause presenting the actual concern) → 全体的にはいいとしても、細部にまだ課題が残っている。

Origin & History

Composed of は (topic), いい (good/acceptable), としても (even assuming). Literally 'even if we consider X as acceptable,' it grammaticalized into a fixed concessive pattern for strategic argumentation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Related Phrases

～だけ (extent) A particle meaning 'to the extent that someone can or wants to do something.' It expresses the idea of doing something as much as possible or to the fullest degree allowed. ～だけあって A phrase meaning 'as one would expect' or 'for good reason.' It indicates that a positive result or quality is natural given the background or effort involved. ～だけに A phrase carrying the idea 'precisely because' or 'as one would expect.' It highlights that a result — whether positive or negative — is particularly noteworthy given the circumstances. ～だけのことはある A phrase expressing an evaluative comment that something lives up to its reputation or that the effort, cost, or background has been worthwhile. It means 'it is worth the fact that' or 'it justifies the fact that.' ～ならでは（の） A phrase meaning 'unique to,' 'only possible with,' or 'impossible if not for.' It highlights something as a distinctive quality or experience exclusive to a particular person, place, or thing. ～のみならず A formal expression meaning 'not only... but also.' It is used in writing and formal speech to indicate that something extends beyond one scope to include additional elements. ～はおろか A phrase meaning 'let alone,' 'not to mention,' or 'far from.' It states that not only is a more expected thing true, but even a less expected thing is also true. ～は別として A phrase meaning 'setting aside' or 'apart from.' It is used to exclude or bracket one item or issue so the speaker can focus on the main point.
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