Japanese grammar
What does ～たところで mean? Japanese grammar N1
～たところで means even if… (it is useless / changes nothing).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vた + ところで |
| Romaji | tatokorode |
| Meaning | even if… (it is useless / changes nothing) |
Forming it
| Connection | Vた + ところで |
|---|
How to use it
Assumes that even if A is done, the result still won't change. The following clause MUST be negative.
- 「Vた＋ところで」 = even if A happens... The following clause is negative or judges it futile: 「間に合わない」「無駄だ」「変わらない」.
- The preceding clause uses the た-form but does NOT refer to the past — it's a hypothetical that hasn't happened: 「今から急いだところで」 (even if we hurry now).
- Often accompanied by 「いくら・どんなに・今さら」 for emphasis. Different from 「～ても」 in that 「たところで」 always concludes negatively.
Examples
今から急いだところで、電車には間に合わない。
Even if we hurry now, we will not catch the train.
彼に頼んだところで、引き受けてくれないだろう。
Even if we ask him, he probably will not accept.
Keep in mind
- The following clause cannot be a positive result.
- The た-form + ところで; 「急ぐところで」 is wrong.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong急ぐところで間に合わない。
Correct急いだところで間に合わない。
Use the た-form before ところで.
Exam tips
- 「Vた＋ところで」 = even doing it would be futile; the following clause must be negative.