Concession & Contrast: にしては vs にしても vs くせに vs ながらも vs つつも
Nine patterns that all become "although / even though" in English. Japanese separates them by whether you are comparing against an expectation, conceding a condition, or adding an emotional charge.
The patterns
ものの
although (written, mild turn)
約束はしたものの、守れるか自信がない。
I did promise, but I'm not sure I can keep it.
とはいえ
that said; having said that
値上げは仕方ない。とはいえ、負担は大きい。
The price rise is unavoidable. That said, the burden is heavy.
にしては
for a ~ (contrary to what that would suggest)
初心者にしては、上手だ。
For a beginner, he's good.
にしても
even if; even granting that
忙しいにしても、返事くらいできるはずだ。
Even if you were busy, you could at least reply.
くせに
even though (with reproach or contempt)
知らないくせに、知ったかぶりをするな。
Don't act like you know when you don't.
といっても
although I say ~, it is not that much
留学するといっても、たった1週間だ。
I say 'study abroad', but it's only a week.
ながら(も)
although (written, same subject in both clauses)
貧しいながらも、幸せに暮らしている。
Though poor, they live happily.
つつ(も)
even while knowing (doing it anyway)
悪いと知りつつも、つい嘘をついてしまった。
Even knowing it was wrong, I ended up lying.
かと思いきや
I thought ~ but to my surprise
勝つかと思いきや、まさかの逆転負けだった。
I thought we would win, but we lost in a stunning reversal.
Decision procedure
Are you measuring something against an expected standard, or conceding a condition?
Is there emotional colouring?
Commonly confused
にしては vs にしても
にしては compares a *result* against expectation ("for a beginner, he's good"). にしても concedes a *condition* ("even if you were busy…"). Different jobs, similar shape.
くせに vs にしては
Both carry surprise, but the emotional sign is opposite: くせに is reproachful, にしては is neutral-to-complimentary.
つつ(も) vs つつある
Same root, different function: つつ(も) is concessive ("even though"), つつある is progressive ("is in the process of"). Do not let the shared つつ mislead you.