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JLPT N3 Neutral

tokorode

Used for changing the topic or bringing up a new topic; 'by the way', 'speaking of'.

The standard, most common "by the way" topic-change marker.

Formation

Explanation

The ところで (tokorode) grammar point is used to change the topic of conversation or introduce a new topic. It can be translated as 'by the way' or 'speaking of' in English. It is often used when the speaker wants to ask a question or share some information on a different subject. It can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Example sentences

  • By the way, did you finish yesterday's homework?

    Tokorode, kinou no shukudai wa mou owari mashita ka?

  • He is swimming in the pool. By the way, what do you want for lunch?

    Kare wa puuru de oyoide imasu. Tokorode, ohiru gohan wa nani ni shimasu ka?

  • Yesterday was fun, wasn't it? By the way, did you see this photo?

    Kinou wa tanoshikatta desu ne. Tokorode, kono shashin wo mimashita ka?

  • By the way, do you know the time of tomorrow's meeting?

    Tokorode, ashita no kaigi no jikan wo shitte imasu ka?

Topic Shift (By The Way)