What it means
ところが connects two sentences when the second situation is unexpected or contrary to what the first situation suggests. It is commonly translated as “however,” “but,” or “even so.” The first sentence usually establishes an expectation, and ところが introduces the surprising result. It often appears at the beginning of a new sentence and is somewhat more formal and written than ordinary conversational contrast markers.
Usage note
Do not confuse this conjunction with ところが used inside expressions about a place, time, or stage of an action, such as the noun ところ followed by が. As a conjunction, ところが normally begins the second sentence and is followed by a comma in writing.
How to use it
彼は毎日練習しました。ところが、本番では緊張してしまいました。
He practiced every day. However, he became nervous during the actual performance.
彼は毎日練習した。ところが、本番では緊張してしまった。
He practiced every day. However, he became nervous during the actual performance.
Example sentences
薬を飲んだので、すぐに熱が下がると思っていた。ところが、夜になっても熱は下がらなかった。
Because I had taken medicine, I thought my fever would go down quickly. However, even when it became night, my fever had not gone down.
駅は近いので、歩いて十分で着くと思った。ところが、大雨で道