N325/219

ところが

ところが、 + sentenceところが〜 + sentence

Meanings

Even so
However
Even though
But

About this pattern

Explanation

ところが is a stronger, more vivid opposite conjunction used to introduce a surprising or contrasting consequence after a prior statement. It signals that what happened next is unexpectedly different from what was implied or expected, often with a sense of surprise or irony. It’s common in spoken Japanese and informal writing. It can emphasize a turn of events the speaker didn’t anticipate.

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Example sentences

雨が降っていた。ところが、彼は外に出かけていった。

It was raining. However, he went out anyway.

約束の時間に遅れた。ところが、相手はもう待っていなかった。

I was late for the appointment. Yet the other person wasn’t waiting anymore.

計画は順調だった。ところが、突然問題が起きた。

The plan was going smoothly. Then, suddenly, a problem arose.

彼は忙しいに違いない。ところが、電話をかけてみると時間があった。

He must be busy. However, when I called, he had time.

Related patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

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More N3 patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

while; during; between; in the period of

During the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens

ないうちに

before it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...