Japanese grammar
What does ～。ところが、～ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～。ところが、～ means however; but surprisingly (unexpected result).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。ところが、sentence B |
| Romaji | .tokoroga, |
| Meaning | however; but surprisingly (unexpected result) |
Forming it
| Connecting sentences | 晴れると思った。ところが、雨が降った。 |
|---|
How to use it
A sentence-initial conjunction: something happens CONTRARY to the expectation drawn from the previous sentence. Only used for something that has already happened.
- 「ところが」 stands at the START of the following sentence, and sentence B must be an actual fact that happened contrary to expectation: 「彼はいつも遅刻する。ところが、今日は一番早く来た」.
- Cannot connect mid-sentence — 「遅刻するところが」 is wrong. To connect mid-sentence, use 「のに／が」.
- The following clause CANNOT be volitional, an invitation, or a command: 「ところが、行きましょう」 is wrong — that's the place for 「でも」.
Examples
彼はいつも遅刻する。ところが、今日は一番早く来た。
He is always late. And yet today he arrived earliest.
天気予報では晴れだった。ところが、午後から大雨になった。
The forecast said sunny. However, from the afternoon it poured.
Keep in mind
- Only used at the start of a sentence.
- Sentence B states a fact that actually happened, not an intention.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼はいつも遅刻するところが、今日は早く来た。
He's always late. And yet today he arrived early.
Correct彼はいつも遅刻する。ところが、今日は早く来た。
「ところが」 is a sentence-initial conjunction, not used mid-sentence (use 「のに」 there).
-
Wrong雨が降った。ところが、出かけましょう。
It's raining. But let's go anyway.
Correct雨が降った。でも、出かけましょう。
After 「ところが」, invitational/volitional sentences are not used.
Exam tips
- 「ところが」 = and yet (sentence-initial, for something that already happened); mid-sentence use 「のに」.