???? What is this grammar?
This is a concessive grammar pattern used to express:
- “Even if (someone) does something, it won’t help / it won’t change the result.”
- It conveys the meaning of futility or hopelessness.
???? Structure
| Type | Structure |
|---|---|
| Verb (た-form) + ところで |
✅ It’s often used in hypothetical or conditional situations, followed by a negative or unchanging result.
???? Meaning in Context
Used when:
- You want to say “Even if something is done, it’s meaningless or won’t solve the problem.”
- Often used to express a resigned, logical, or hopeless attitude.
English equivalents:
- “Even if…”
- “At this point, no matter what you do…”
- “It’s no use…”
???? Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 今さら謝ったところで、もう遅い。 | Even if you apologize now, it’s too late. |
| 急いだところで、間に合わないよ。 | Even if you hurry, you won’t make it in time. |
| 考えたところで、答えは出ない。 | Even if you think about it, you won’t find an answer. |
| 説明したところで、彼は理解できないだろう。 | Even if you explain it, he probably won’t understand. |
| 泣いたところで、何も変わらない。 | Even if you cry, nothing will change. |
???? Nuances & Tone
- Often used in a logical, resigned, or practical tone.
- Common in conversations, essays, or when giving advice with a sense of futility.
- Not suitable for formal written documents like business emails or official proposals.
???? Comparison with Similar Patterns
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ～ても | Even if… | Neutral, general |
| ～たところで | Even if… it’s no use | Negative, hopeless |
| ～にしても | Even if… still | Slightly softer, reflective |
| ～たって / だって | Even if… | Casual, conversational |
Example:
- 謝っても無駄だ。→ Even if you apologize, it’s useless.
- 謝ったところで無駄だ。→ Even if you apologize (now), it’s hopeless.
✅ Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～たところで:
- Even if you complain, nothing will change.
- Even if I study now, it’s too late.
- Even if you ask him, he won’t come.
Possible Answers:
- 文句を言ったところで、何も変わらない。
- 今さら勉強したところで、もう遅い。
- 彼に頼んだところで、来ないだろう。
???? Summary Table
| Grammar | ～たところで |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Even if… it won’t help |
| Structure | Verb (た-form) + ところで |
| Nuance | Hopeless, logical, negative |
| Usage | Advice, conversations, reflections |
???? Pro Tip:
You’ll often see this in:
- N1 reading comprehension
- Anime/manga character dialogues (when someone gives up)
- Conversations where one person tries to convince another it’s no use
✨
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