～ところが
〜tokoro ga
JLPT N3 Neutral
Formation
Phrase 1 (expected situation) + ところが + Phrase 2 (unexpected result)
Expresses a contrast or unexpected outcome; 'however', 'but', 'even though'.
When to use
Introduces an unexpected/surprising outcome; storytelling register, implies surprise rather than plain contrast.
Explanation
The ～ところが grammar point is used to express a contrast or an unexpected outcome. It can be translated as 'however', 'but', or 'even though' in English. It emphasizes a situation that contradicts what was expected.
Example sentences
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He's always late, but today he arrived early.
Kare wa itsumo chikoku suru tokoro ga, kyou wa hayaku kimashita.
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Yesterday was hot, but today it got cold.
Kinou wa atsukatta tokoro ga, kyou wa samuku narimashita.
-
I thought we would lose the match, but surprisingly we won.
Shiai de makeru to omotta tokoro ga, igai ni mo kachimashita.
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We were about to win the final, but we lost at the last point.
Kesshousen de yuushou suru tokoro ga, saigo no pointo de makemashita.
Concession (Even Though / Although / Despite)
- ～ても/でも〜te mo/demoN4Expresses 'even if' or 'even though'; used to convey…
- ～といっても〜to ittemoN3Express the meaning 'even though', 'although', 'but'.
- A。それなのに B。~sorenanoniN2Express contrast or a contradiction between two situations…
- ～くせに〜kuse niN3Used to express criticism or disapproval; 'even though'…
- ～わりには〜wari ni waN3Expresses contrast between expectation and reality…
- ～にもかかわらず〜ni mo kakawarazuN2Expresses 'despite', 'in spite of' or 'even though'.
- ～ながらも〜nagara moN1Means 'even though' or 'despite'.
- Noun にしてNoun ni shiteN1Expresses the idea 'even for', 'even though', or 'in spite…
- ～とはいえ～to wa ieN1Even though; although; but
- ～といえども〜to iedomoN1Even if it is said that; Even though; Although.
- ～に反して〜ni hanshiteN2Contrary to, against, in spite of
- ～のに〜no niN4Used to express contrast between expectation and reality…
- ～ことは…が～koto wa... gaN3Indicates that while something may be true or valid, there…
- ～かと思いきや〜ka to omoikiyaN1Expressing unexpected outcomes; 'just when I thought...'…
Corpus examples (60)
-
This is what I like about you.
彼らのコントは一見ほとんどアドリブに見える。ところがその実緻密な計算とリハーサルのたまものなのだ。
To all appearances, their skit seems almost improvised. However, it is in fact the result of careful consideration and rehearsal.
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Is there a problem?
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Is there anything wrong with that television?
-
Everybody has some good points and bad points.
彼は他にもっと良いところがあるだろうと給料の安い仕事を辞めた。
He left his poorly paid job for greener pastures elsewhere.
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She's afraid of the dark.
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Are you still afraid of the dark?
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When I was a little kid, I didn't like the dark at all.
ジャネット・ジャクソンは衣装の不具合で、見えてはいけないところが見えてしまった。
Janet Jackson had a wardrobe malfunction.
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It leaves nothing much to be desired.
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Her shyness makes me like her even more.
学生時代勉強せずにいい成績を取っていたのを自慢するところが、彼について一番気に入らないところ。
The thing I hate most about him is that he boasts of having had good grades in school despite not studying.
-
I can't believe a place like this really exists.
彼の演説は最初のところが少し理解できたが、残りはちんぷんかんぷんだった。
I could understand the first few sentences, but the rest of his speech was all Greek to me.
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There was a touch of irony in his speech.
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The prime minister's speech did not make for peace.
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He owes much of his success to his wife.
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He is a bit of a coward.
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There was something strange about her.
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They have something in common with each other.
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She has a mysterious air about her.
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I found nothing interesting in that magazine.
-
My mosquito bite itches.
電車とホームの間が広く空いているところがございますので、足元にご注意ください。
There's a wide gap between the train and the platform, so please watch your step.