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.
- 今日は早く起きないといけなかったから９時に寝た。____、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。____、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.
This use of が in Japanese is referred to as 確定の逆接, which basically means 'a contradictory conclusion'.
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:
Example of ところが
____、実は今日だったと気づき、今急いでやっています。
Grammar same lesson
