What it means
ところで means “by the way” and introduces a new topic or an additional point that is only loosely connected to what was just said. It commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence, often after a short pause, and signals a noticeable but natural shift in the conversation. It can be used in both familiar and polite speech.
Usage note
ところで is different from ところで meaning “at the place or point where,” which is formed from ところ followed by the particle で and is interpreted from the surrounding clause.
How to use it
ところで、田中さんは明日の会議に参加します。
By the way, Tanaka will participate in tomorrow's meeting.
ところで、田中さんは明日の会議に参加する。
By the way, Tanaka will participate in tomorrow's meeting.
Example sentences
ところで、来週の健康診断は何時から始まりますか。
By the way, what time does next week's health checkup begin?
ところで、図書館の新しい開館時間を知っていますか。
By the way, do you know the library's new opening hours?
会議の資料はメールでお送りしました。ところで、明日の午後は空いていらっしゃいますか。
I sent the meeting materials by email. By the way, are you available tomorrow afternoon?