ところが (tokoroga)

Meaning & usage

ところが means yet or however and introduces a result that goes against what the previous statement leads the listener to expect. It is a conjunction used on its own at the start of a new sentence, following a complete sentence that ends in a verb, adjective, or noun plus copula in plain or polite form, as in ところが、治らなかった. It is common in written and spoken explanations of surprising outcomes, and the first sentence needs to make the expected result clear or the contrast will feel weak.

Example sentences 7

1. 薬くすりを飲のんだ。ところが、治なおらなかった。

   I took medicine. Yet I didn't get better.

2. 早く出た。ところが、電車が遅れた。

   I left early. However, the train was delayed.

3. 彼は来ると言った。ところが、来なかった。

   He said he would come. However, he did not come.

4. 辞書で調べた。ところが、意味が分からない。

   I looked it up in the dictionary. Yet I do not understand the meaning.

5. 一生懸命勉強した。ところが、試験に落ちた。

   I studied very hard. However, I failed the exam.

6. 予約をした。ところが、店が閉まっていた。

   I made a reservation. Yet the shop was closed.

7. 掃除をした。ところが、すぐ汚れた。

   I cleaned the room. However, it got dirty right away.