Meaning
ところが indicates that the actual result or outcome contradicts what was expected or anticipated beforehand. It connects a situation where something was thought to happen with an unexpected contrary result. The pattern uses the past tense form of verbs and conveys surprise at the discrepancy between expectation and reality.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞（た形） | ところが |
Examples
-
叱られると思っていたところが、かえってほめられた。
I thought I would be scolded, but instead I was praised. -
今日の試験はうまくいくだろうと思っていたところが、失敗してしまった。
I thought today's exam would go well, but I ended up failing. -
軽い気持ちでカラオケ大会に出たところが、優勝してしまった。
I entered the karaoke competition without much thought, but I won first place. -
この商品は売れるだろうと思っていたところが、あまり売れなかった。
I thought this product would sell well, but it didn't sell very much.
Summary
- Connects expected outcome with an opposite or surprising actual outcome
- Uses past tense verb form (ta-form) + ところが construction
- Emphasizes surprise and contrast between anticipation and reality