BackGrammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 5
Structure of ところが:
(Expectation) Phrase + ところが + (Unexpected Result) Phrase
Details 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.
ところが
Usage Notes for ところが:
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.
Synonyms for ところが:
が
But, However
却って
All the more, On the contrary, Conversely
それにしても
Nevertheless, Even so
だが・ですが
But, Still, However, Nevertheless
それでも
But still, And yet, Even so, Nevertheless
けれども
But, Although
けど・だけど
But, However
Example of ところが
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.
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.
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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