Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 2: 4/23

ところがEven so, However, Even though, But

Structure

(Expectation) Phrase + ところ + (Unexpected Result) Phrase

Details

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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(かくてい)逆接(ぎゃくせつ), 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(ともだち)勉強(べんきょう)手伝(てつだ)(たの)だら(いや)がる(おも)ていたところが(よろこ)んで手伝(てつだ)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

Examples

--:--

    パンを()いに()きました。ところが、もう()()れでした。

    I went to buy bread. However, it was already sold out.

    日本(にほん)のチームが()つと(おも)っていた。ところが()けてしまった。

    I thought that the Japanese team would win. However, they lost.

    あの(ひと)非常(ひじょう)(やさ)しそうでした。ところが(うら)がありました。

    That person seemed extremely nice. However, they had ulterior motives.

    友達(ともだち)によると、テストは(むずか)しかったそうだ。ところが(かれ)百点(ひゃくてん)()った。

    According to my friend, the test was difficult. Even so, he got a perfect score.

    テストに()そうなところを予想(よそう)して勉強(べんきょう)した。ところが全然(ぜんぜん)(ちが)問題(もんだい)しか()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

        Ambo100

      • dokidokiwakuwaku

        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

        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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