Structure
(Expectation) Phrase + ところが + (Unexpected Result) Phrase
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About ところが
ところが is a conjunction in Japanese that is a combination of the noun, ところ 'place', and the conjunction particle が. It is used to highlight that (A) was expected, but the unexpected result (B) occurred. It is usually translated as 'however', or 'despite that'.
ところが is most often used at the beginning of a new sentence, before highlighting something that is contrary to what was described in the previous sentence.
This use of が in Japanese is referred to as 確定の逆接, which basically means 'a contradictory conclusion'.
Caution
Because ところが highlights a result that is unexpected, it can only be used for things that are beyond the control of the speaker. However, if the speaker is trying to do something, but assumes that their attempt may result in failure, ところが can be used to show that they were unexpectedly successful.
- 友達に勉強の手伝いを頼んだら嫌がると思っていた。ところが、喜んで手伝ってくれた。I thought my friend was not going to like it if I asked him to help me with studying, however, he did so without hesitation.
Fun Fact
Sometimes, ところが is referred to as a conjunction particle itself, disregarding the combination of ところ and が. This is similar to ところで, another conjunction particle that has a slightly different meaning, and is frequently translated as 'by the way'.
Synonyms
が
But, However
Not studied yet
だが・ですが
But, Still, However, Nevertheless
Not studied yet
だが・ですが
But, Still, However, Nevertheless
Not studied yet
それでも
But still, And yet, Even so, Nevertheless
Not studied yet
けれども
But, Although
Not studied yet
けど・だけど
But, However
Not studied yet
却って
All the more, On the contrary, Conversely
Not studied yet
却って
All the more, On the contrary, Conversely
Not studied yet
それにしても
Nevertheless, Even so
Not studied yet
Examples
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パンを買いに行きました。ところが、もう売り切れでした。
I went to buy bread. However, it was already sold out.
日本のチームが勝つと思っていた。ところが負けてしまった。
I thought that the Japanese team would win. However, they lost.
あの人は非常に優しそうでした。ところが、裏がありました。
That person seemed extremely nice. However, they had ulterior motives.
友達によると、テストは難しかったそうだ。ところが、彼は百点を取った。
According to my friend, the test was difficult. Even so, he got a perfect score.
テストに出そうなところを予想して勉強した。ところが、全然違う問題しか出なかった。
I studied what I thought would be on the test. However, the questions were totally different from what I had studied.
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ところが – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (7 in total)
Ambo100
dokidokiwakuwaku
What is the distinction between this point and それなのに? It appears both points connect two phrases A and B, where B is an unexpected result of A. I’m sure there is some nuance that distinguishes them, but I’m having some trouble seeing it from the example sentences. Any insight would be appreciated!
mrnoone
@dokidokiwakuwaku
I would say those expressions are completely interchangeable.
ところが might be a bit more formal and objectively stating facts, while それなのに has more emphasis on speaker emotions and is therefore more subjective (and casual).I also feel (subjective opinion) that ところが is more often used with unexpected results of events.
I hope it helps.
Cheers
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