Structure
(Expectation) Phrase + ところが + (Unexpected Result) Phrase
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Rare Kanji
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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.
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.
- 今日は早く起きないといけなかったから9時に寝た。ところが、目覚ましがならなかったから寝坊した。I had to wake up early today so I went to sleep at 9pm. However, my alarm didn't go off, so I overslept.
- 新しい洗濯機を買った。ところが、洗濯機が大きすぎて家に入らなかった。I bought a new washing machine. However, it was so big that it didn't fit in my house.
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
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
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
Examples
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.
There is more to that person than meets the eye.
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.
出る also has the meaning of 'to appear', 'to emerge' or 'to be published'.
勝てる試合だった。ところが、怪我をして負けてしまった。
It was a match I could win. However, I got injured and lost.
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ところが
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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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