ところが
Even so, However, Even though, But
Structure
Explanation
ところが is a conjunction formed from the noun ところ ('place') and the conjunction particle が. It is used to present an outcome (B) that is surprising or contrary to the expectation set by the preceding statement (A). It can be translated as 'however', 'but then', or 'and yet'.
ところが most frequently appears at the start of a sentence, where it introduces a fact or event that contradicts what was just mentioned.
- 昨日はデートだったから、一番きれいな服を着て行った。ところが、レストランでコーヒーをこぼしてしまった。Yesterday was our date, so I wore my nicest outfit. However, I ended up spilling coffee at the restaurant.
- 宿題は簡単だと思った。ところが、やってみたらすごく難しかった。I thought the homework would be simple. However, when I actually tried doing it, it was incredibly difficult.
In Japanese grammar, this usage of が is called 確定の逆接, which signifies a 'confirmed contradictory connection'.
Caution
Because ところが emphasizes an unforeseen outcome, it is used for events that are not within the speaker's control. On the other hand, if the speaker anticipated failure, ところが can be used to describe an unexpectedly successful result.
- 試験は絶対に落ちると思っていた。ところが、ぎりぎりで合格した。I was certain I was going to fail the test. However, I just barely managed to pass.
Fun Fact
ところが is occasionally categorized as a single conjunction particle, rather than a combination of ところ and が. This is analogous to ところで, another conjunction particle that carries the different meaning of 'by the way'.
Examples
天気予報では晴れると言っていた。ところが、急に大雨が降ってきた。
The weather forecast said it would be sunny. However, it suddenly started pouring rain.
あのカバンは安いと思った。ところが、値段を見てびっくりした。
I thought that bag was cheap. However, I was shocked when I saw the price.
彼は真面目でおとなしい人だと思っていた。ところが、本当はとても面白い人だった。
I thought he was a serious and quiet person. As it turns out, he's actually very funny.
試験のために一生懸命勉強した。ところが、点数はひどかった。
I studied my hardest for the exam. And yet, my score was terrible.
地図の通りに来たはずだ。ところが、全く違う場所に着いてしまった。
I was sure I had followed the map. However, I ended up in a completely different place.
レシピ通りにケーキを作った。ところが、ひどい味になってしまった。
I made the cake exactly according to the recipe. However, it ended up tasting awful.
彼は３時に来ると言った。ところが、１時間経ってもまだ来ない。
He said he would come at 3 o'clock. But, an hour has passed and he's still not here.
上司はこの企画に賛成してくれると思っていた。ところが、あっさり断られた。
I thought my boss would approve this project. However, I was turned down without a second thought.
新しい掃除機は便利だと思った。ところが、重くて使いにくい。
I thought the new vacuum cleaner would be convenient. However, it's heavy and hard to use.
パーティーは楽しいだろうと期待していた。ところが、すごくつまらなかった。
I was expecting the party to be fun. However, it was incredibly boring.
ただの風邪だと思っていた。ところが、インフルエンザで入院することになった。
I thought it was just a simple cold. But as it turned out, I had to be hospitalized for the flu.
この仕事は１時間で終わるはずだった。
ところが、もう半日もかかっている。
This work was supposed to be finished in an hour. However, it has already taken half the day.