～たところで
Even if ~ cannot or will not, Even though ~ not
Structure
Explanation
The grammar pattern ～たところで is formed by attaching ところで to the simple past-tense (ta-form) of a verb.
While ところ often highlights the specific situation of an action, ～たところで is used to express that 'even if' an action is performed, the result will be pointless or negative. It is typically translated as 'even if (A), it's no use', or 'no matter how much (A), (B) won't happen'.
This sense of futility comes from its structure. Although the verb is in the past tense, the clause that follows always describes a non-past, undesirable outcome. This creates a hypothetical scenario, much like saying in English 'even supposing (A) was done, (B) still wouldn't work out'.
- 今から行ったところで、もう誰もいないよ。Even if we go now, no one will be there anymore.
- 社長が決めたことだから、文句を言ったところで、何も変わらないよ。The company president has already decided, so even if you complain, nothing will change.
- 単語を一つ覚えたところで、話せるようにはならない。Just by learning one word, you won't become able to speak.
As shown in the examples, ～たところで is used to convey that an action is pointless or that the outcome runs contrary to one's hopes. Consequently, the second part of the sentence almost always describes an unfavorable or negative result.
Fun Fact
Because ～たところで signals a disappointing outcome in the second clause, it is frequently paired with adverbs like いくら, どんなに, or 今更. These words serve to amplify the speaker's sense of resignation or frustration with the uselessness of the action.
Examples
どんなに高価な薬を飲んだところで、不健康な生活を続けていたら意味がない。
Even if you take expensive medicine, it's meaningless if you continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle.
今から文句を言ったところで、何も変わらないよ。
Even if you complain now, nothing will change.
一人でこの仕事を全部やったところで、締め切りには間に合わないだろう。
Even if I did all this work by myself, I probably wouldn't make the deadline.
いくら彼を説得してみたところで、考えを変えることはないと思う。
No matter how much I try to persuade him, I don't think he will change his mind.
セールで安くなっていたところで、買うお金がなければ買えません。
Even though it was on sale, if I don't have the money to buy it, I can't.
急いで走ったところで、もう電車には間に合わないよ。
Even if you run in a hurry, you still won't make the train on time.
一日だけ早く寝たところで、すぐに体調が良くなるわけではない。
Even if you go to bed early for just one day, it doesn't mean you'll feel better right away.
今からプランを変更したところで、もう生産ラインは止められません。
Even if we change the plan now, the production line cannot be stopped anymore.
単語をたくさん覚えたところで、文法が分からなければ話せるようにはならない。
Even if you memorize a lot of words, you won't become able to speak if you don't understand the grammar.
ネットで匿名で批判したところで、社会は何も変わらないでしょう。
Even if you criticize anonymously online, society probably won't change at all.
どんなに高級な食材を使ったところで、料理の腕が悪ければ美味しくはならない。
No matter how high-quality the ingredients you use are, if your cooking skills are bad, it won't turn out delicious.
たった一人が反対したところで、その決定が覆ることはないだろう。
Even if just one person opposes it, the decision is unlikely to be overturned.