Grammar › N3 · 01 Connecting sentences

ところが: however; but then (unexpectedly)

N3 · 01 Connecting sentences

Introduces a result that is the opposite of what you expected.

Sentence-opening connector. The first sentence sets up an expectation, and ところが brings a surprising contrast. It is used for past events; do not use it for the speaker's request or opinion. Compare しかし, which is a plain contrast.

Examples

天気予報てんきよほうでは晴はれだった。ところが、昼ひるから雨あめが降り出ふりだした。

The forecast said sunny. But from noon it started to rain.

簡単かんたんな試験しけんだと思おもっていた。ところが、問題もんだいは意外いがいに難むずかしかった。

I thought it was an easy exam. But the questions turned out to be unexpectedly hard.

Study ところが in the course →