ところで

By the Way

Level 3Sounds Like tokorode

Use ところで at the start of a sentence to pivot the conversation to a new, often unrelated topic.

How It Works

1. Function and Usage
ところで is a discourse marker used to shift the focus of a conversation. While it is often translated as 'by the way,' it is specifically used when the speaker wants to change the subject entirely. Unlike other transition words, it does not require a logical link to what was just said.

2. Placement
It is a conjunction that stands alone at the beginning of a sentence. In writing, it is almost always followed by a comma（、）to indicate a brief pause before the new topic begins.

3. Nuance and Register
While this pattern is common in daily conversation, it can be perceived as abrupt or even rude if used to cut off a superior or jump topics too suddenly in formal business settings. In very formal contexts or when addressing someone of higher status, さて is often a more appropriate and smoother alternative for transitioning between agenda items.

4. Comparison with Similar Terms

  • ところが: Means 'however' or 'but.' It shows a contradiction, not a topic change.
  • ちなみに: Used to add a small, related detail to the current topic (like a footnote).
  • そういえば: 'Speaking of which.' Used when something reminds you of a related point.

5. Homonym Trap
Be careful not to confuse this sentence-initial conjunction with the N2-level grammar 〜たところで (even if...). While the conjunction starts a new sentence to change the topic, the 'even if' pattern attaches directly to the past tense of a verb (e.g., 走ったところで / even if I run) to show that an action will be futile.

Examples (3)

  1. 今日はいい天気ですね。ところで、来週のテストの準備はできましたか。

    The weather is nice today. By the way, are you ready for next week's test?

    Word by Word: Today [topic] good weather is, isn't it. By the way, next week's test [possessive] preparation [topic] was able to do [question]?

    The speaker shifts from a casual comment about the weather to a specific question about schoolwork.

  2. 会議はこれで終わりです。ところで、今日のランチは何を食べますか。

    That's all for the meeting. So, what are you having for lunch today?

    Word by Word: Meeting [topic] with this end is. By the way, today's lunch [topic] what [object] eat [question]?

    Used here to transition from a formal business context to a casual social question.

  3. 昨日はありがとうございました。ところで、例の件はどうなりましたか。

    Thank you for yesterday. By the way, what happened with that matter we discussed?

    Word by Word: Yesterday [topic] thank you was. By the way, example's matter [topic] how became [question]?

    The speaker moves from a greeting/thank you to a specific piece of business.

Common Mistakes

  • Using ところで to mean 'but' or 'however'.

    一生懸命勉強しました。ところで、試験に落ちました。
    一生懸命勉強しました。ところが、試験に落ちました。

    If you want to show a surprising or negative result (I studied hard, BUT I failed), you must use ところが. ところで only changes the topic.

  • Using ところで to add a related footnote.

    会議は３時からです。ところで、場所は会議室Ｂです。
    会議は３時からです。ちなみに、場所は会議室Ｂです。

    If the information is a direct detail about the current topic (the meeting location), use ちなみに instead of ところで.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ところでLevel 3By the Way

Learn This First

To use 'ところで' (by the way) effectively, you need to be comfortable with basic sentence structures and how to link independent ideas. It is a transition word used to change the topic of conversation, so understanding the flow of Japanese dialogue and basic conjunctions is essential.

Words in This Pattern

ところで