ところで
By the way, Incidentally
Structure
Explanation
The conjunction ところで is composed of the noun ところ ('place') and the case marking particle で. It serves a similar purpose to 'by the way' in English, acting as a conjunction particle to introduce a topic that is different from the one currently being discussed.
You will typically find ところで placed at the very beginning of a sentence. It signals that the speaker is about to introduce a statement or ask a question on an unrelated matter.
- ところで、週末の予定はありますか。By the way, do you have any plans for the weekend?
- ところで、最近の調子はどうですか。Changing the subject, how have you been lately?
The nuance of ところで suggests that the preceding conversation made the speaker suddenly recall another, separate topic. Its literal meaning is close to 'at that point (in the conversation)'.
Caution
Be aware that when ところで follows the past-tense form of a verb (たところで), its meaning changes completely. This advanced grammar pattern expresses that 'even if (A) is done, it will be pointless'. It will be taught in a future lesson.
Examples
ところで、映画は何時から始まりますか？
By the way, what time does the movie start?
ところで、犬のポチは元気？
By the way, how is your dog, Pochi?
ところで、駅の近くにできた新しいレストラン、もう行きましたか？
By the way, have you been to that new restaurant that opened near the station yet?
ところで、この宿題の締め切りはいつだっけ？
By the way, when was the deadline for this homework again?
ところで、何か面白い本を知りませんか。
By the way, do you know of any interesting books?
ところで、風邪の具合はどうですか。
By the way, how are you feeling after your cold?
ところで、最近、田中さんを見かけましたか。
By the way, have you seen Tanaka-san around lately?
ところで、誕生日のプレゼントは何が欲しい？
By the way, what do you want for your birthday present?
ところで、あそこのお店、まだ開いてるかな？
By the way, I wonder if that shop is still open?
ところで、この前のテストの結果、どうだった？
By the way, how did you do on the last test?
ところで、僕の傘、どこかで見なかった？
By the way, have you seen my umbrella anywhere?
ところで、ご兄弟はいらっしゃいますか。
By the way, do you have any siblings?