Meaning
ところで expresses a contrasting idea: even if you do something, it won't produce a good result or achieve what you hope for. It emphasizes futility or hopelessness of an action. This pattern is often used with expressions like たとえ (even if), どんなに (no matter how), or いくら (no matter how much), and is typically followed by negative or discouraging statements.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞（た形） | ところで |
Examples
-
6時に起きなければならなかったのに寝坊をしてしまった。今からどんなに早く走ったところで間違いなく会議に遅れてしまう。
I was supposed to wake up at 6 but overslept. No matter how fast I run now, I'll definitely be late for the meeting. -
文句ばかり言ったところで、何も解決できないよ。
Complaining all the time won't solve anything. -
あの夫婦はいくら話し合ったところで、奥さんの離婚をする決意は変わらないみたい。
That couple can talk as much as they want, but it seems the wife's determination to get divorced won't change.
Summary
- ところで conveys that an effort or action will not produce the desired result
- Often paired with どんなに, いくら, or たとえ to emphasize the futility
- Typically followed by negative statements or expressions of despair/hopelessness