Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
Used to abruptly change the subject of a conversation.
🎯 Primary Function
To introduce a new, often unrelated, topic or question.
📋 Grammar Structure
ところで + [New Sentence/Clause]
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Can be used in slightly formal settings, but be mindful of abruptness. More common in less rigid conversations.
Informal Situations
Very common among friends, family, and colleagues.
Written Language
Less frequent in formal writing, but used in informal writing like emails or casual messages.
Spoken Language
Most frequently used in spoken conversation.
💡 Common Applications
Changing the direction of the conversation.
When you want to shift from the current topic to something completely different.
Example: 昨日、映画を見たんだ。ところで、来週の会議、大丈夫？ (Kinou, eiga o mitan da. Tokorode, raishuu no kaigi, daijoubu?) – I watched a movie yesterday. By the way, are you okay with the meeting next week?
Introducing a new question.
Often used to ask a question that is unrelated to the current discussion.
Example: このプロジェクト、大変ですね。ところで、田中さんのメール、返信しましたか？ (Kono purojekuto, taihen desu ne. Tokorode, Tanaka-san no meeru, henshin shimashita ka?) – This project is tough, isn’t it? Speaking of which, did you reply to Mr. Tanaka’s email?
Recalling something important or forgotten.
Used when something suddenly comes to mind that you need to mention.
Example: 旅行の準備、進んでるよ。ところで、パスポート、更新した？ (Ryokou no junbi, susunderu yo. Tokorode, pasupooto, koushin shita?) – Preparations for the trip are progressing. Oh, by the way, did you renew your passport?
Frequency
Moderately frequent in daily conversation.
Difficulty
Intermediate (N3) – Understanding the nuance of when and how to use it effectively requires practice.
Example Sentences
今日のテスト、難しかったね。ところで、明日って休みだっけ？
Today’s test was difficult, wasn’t it? By the way, is tomorrow a holiday?
先週、北海道に行ったんだ。ところで、山田さんの誕生日プレゼント、何にした？
I went to Hokkaido last week. Speaking of which, what did you get for Yamada-san’s birthday present?
新しいカフェ、もう行った？美味しかったよ。ところで、来月のイベントのチケット、もう買った？
Have you been to the new cafe yet? It was delicious. Oh, by the way, did you buy the tickets for next month’s event yet?
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Always starts a new sentence/thought.
ところで is used at the beginning of a sentence or clause that introduces the new topic. It cannot be used mid-sentence to connect two ideas.
Example: 今日の天気は晴れです。ところで、明日は雨の予報です。 (Kyou no tenki wa hare desu. Tokorode, ashita wa ame no yohou desu.) – Today’s weather is sunny. By the way, the forecast for tomorrow is rain.
Signals a significant topic shift.
It indicates a more noticeable shift in topic compared to more casual transitions or continuing a related idea.
Example: 彼、来週結婚するんだって。ところで、知ってる？佐藤さんも結婚するらしいよ。 (Kare, raishuu kekkon surun datte. Tokorode, shitteru? Satou-san mo kekkon suru rashii yo.) – I heard he’s getting married next week. By the way, did you know? I heard Satou-san is also getting married.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it mid-sentence.
✅ Always place ところで at the beginning of the clause introducing the new topic.
ところで acts as a conjunction/interjection marking the start of a new thought, not a connector within a single sentence.
❌ Using it in extremely formal writing.
✅ In very formal written contexts like academic papers or business reports, avoid ところで. Use more formal transition phrases if needed, or simply start a new paragraph.
ところで has a conversational feel and is generally unsuitable for highly formal written Japanese.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Relatively neutral. It can be used in both polite and casual speech, but its abruptness can feel less formal than smooth transitions.
Social Situations: Common in daily conversations, meetings (to bring up unrelated points), and casual chats.
Regional Variations: Usage is fairly standard across regions.
🔍 Subtle Differences
ところで vs. そういえば (sou ieba)
そういえば is often used when something is *recalled* or *reminded* by the current conversation, suggesting a connection, even if weak. ところで is more direct and can introduce a completely unrelated topic with less implied connection.
When to use: Use ところで for a clear, potentially abrupt topic shift. Use そういえば when the current conversation triggered a memory.
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📝 Conjugation Notes
ところで is a set phrase and does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced as “tokoro-de”. The pitch accent is generally flat (トコロデ).
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of saying “By the way…” or “Speaking of which…” to signal a change of subject.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct use of ところで:
A) 昨日、映画を見た、ところで、面白かった。
B) 昨日、映画を見た。ところで、面白かった？
C) ところで、昨日、映画を見た面白かった？
D) 昨日、映画を見た。ところで、明日って休みだっけ？
What is the primary function of ところで?
A) To list examples
B) To connect related clauses
C) To introduce a new topic
D) To express surprise
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