Meaning & usage
それが at the start of a reply signals disappointing news that goes against what was hoped or expected, with a feeling like well, but or I am afraid. It stands alone as a fixed discourse marker, usually followed by a comma, and the following clause keeps its normal verb, i-adjective, na-adjective or noun predicate form. It is common in polite conversation to soften a refusal or problem, and it should not be confused with pronoun それ plus subject marker が that marks what did something.
Example sentences 7
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それが、まだ終わっていないんです。
Well, I'm sorry to say it isn't finished yet.
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それが、昨日から熱があるんです。
Well, actually I've had a fever since yesterday.
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それが、電車が止まっているんです。
Well, the thing is, the trains aren't running.
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それが、あまり好きじゃないんです。
Well, to be honest, I don't like it very much.
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それが、今日は行けないんです。
Well, I'm afraid I can't go today.
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それが、財布を忘れてきたんです。
Well, I'm sorry to say I forgot my wallet.
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それが、まだ決まっていないんです。
Well, actually, it hasn't been decided yet.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 1 past exam question.
