Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 2: 3/22

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

Structure

(Expectation) Phrase + ところが + (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)の逆接(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.

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'.

Related

Examples

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    パンを買(か)いに行(い)きました。ところが、もう売(う)り切(き)れでした。

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

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

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

    あの人(ひと)は非常(ひじょう)に優(やさ)しそうでした。ところが、裏(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、テストは難(むずか)しかったそうだ。ところが、彼(かれ)は百点(ひゃくてん)を取(と)った。

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

    テストに出(で)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)違(ちが)う問題(もんだい)しか出(で)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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