هذه الصفحة بلغتك

English

فارسی

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 conjunction #900 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

ところで

By the way; incidentally.

tokorode الأكثر شيوعاً #900

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to connect ideas. ところで (Tokorode) is a very useful word because it allows you to change the subject when you run out of things to say about the current topic. Think of it as a 'magic word' that lets you start a new conversation. For example, if you are talking about the weather and you don't know any more weather words, you can say 'Tokorode...' and then ask a simple question like 'What is your name?' or 'Where do you live?' It is almost always used at the start of a sentence. In English, we say 'By the way.' It is very common in simple dialogues found in textbooks. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word; just put it at the beginning and follow it with a new sentence or a question. It helps you keep the conversation going even if your vocabulary is limited.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you are expected to handle simple, routine tasks and social interactions. ところで (Tokorode) becomes an essential tool for managing the flow of these interactions. You will use it to move from polite greetings to the actual purpose of your conversation. For instance, after saying 'Hello' and 'How are you?', you can use tokorode to ask for directions or to invite someone to lunch. It shows that you understand how to transition between different parts of a social encounter. You should also start to notice that it is often followed by a question. This is because changing the topic often involves asking the other person something new. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'Tokoro ga' (however), which is used for contrast. Remember: Tokorode is for new topics, not for contradicting what was just said.

As a B1 learner, you are becoming more proficient in maintaining conversations on familiar topics. ところで (Tokorode) helps you navigate more complex social situations, such as office small talk or longer emails. You can use it to introduce a 'side-note' or a secondary piece of information that isn't the main focus but is still important. For example, in an email about a project, you might use tokorode at the end to ask about a colleague's recent vacation. This demonstrates a more nuanced understanding of Japanese social etiquette, where building personal rapport is often just as important as the business itself. You should also begin to distinguish tokorode from more formal transitions like 'Sate' (well then) and more casual ones like 'Sore wa sou to' (that aside). Using the right transition for the right level of formality is a key skill at B1.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you should be able to follow and participate in complex discussions. ところで (Tokorode) is used here as a sophisticated discourse marker to manage the 'thematic structure' of your speech. You might use it in a meeting to steer the group away from a digression and back to a new, relevant point. It can also be used rhetorically to introduce a surprising fact or a question that challenges the current line of thinking. You should be fully aware of the potential for confusion with the 'V-ta tokoro de' grammar pattern (meaning 'even if...') and ensure your usage is always clearly sentence-initial. At this level, your intonation and pausing after tokorode should be natural, signaling to your listeners exactly when the topic shift occurs. You are moving beyond just 'using the word' to 'mastering the timing' of the word.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For C1 learners, ところで (Tokorode) is a tool for fine-tuning the texture of your discourse. You will encounter it in literature, high-level journalism, and academic lectures. In these contexts, it might be used to introduce a seemingly unrelated anecdote that actually serves to illustrate a broader point by way of contrast. You should be able to analyze why an author chose tokorode over 'Sate' or 'Shikashi' in a specific text. For example, tokorode can sometimes feel more abrupt or 'refreshing' than other transitions, which can be a stylistic choice to grab the reader's attention. You should also be comfortable using it in formal presentations to transition between different sections of your argument, while maintaining a cohesive overall structure. Your mastery of such discourse markers contributes significantly to your 'native-like' fluency.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you have a comprehensive grasp of the Japanese language's pragmatic nuances. ところで (Tokorode) is used with complete precision. You understand its historical roots as a spatial/temporal marker and how that history informs its modern use as a mental 'place-shifter.' You can use it in highly formal or even archaic-leaning prose to create specific atmospheric effects. In high-stakes negotiations or complex debates, you use tokorode to strategically pivot the discussion to your advantage, perhaps by introducing a new variable that changes the entire context of the argument. You are also aware of regional variations or specific authorial styles that might use the word in unique ways. At this level, tokorode is not just a word you use; it is a tactical instrument in your vast linguistic repertoire, used to shape the very reality of the conversation.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

ところで في 30 ثانية

Tokorode is a transition word meaning 'By the way' used to change the conversation topic completely.
It is placed at the start of a sentence and is very common in both casual and polite Japanese.
Avoid confusing it with 'Tokoro ga' (however) or the 'V-ta tokoro de' (even if) grammar pattern.
It is a versatile tool for social navigation, helping you introduce new questions or information smoothly.

The Japanese word ところで (Tokorode) is a quintessential discourse marker used to pivot a conversation. In linguistic terms, it functions as a conjunction that signals a complete shift in the topic of discussion. For English speakers, the closest equivalents are "By the way," "Incidentally," or "On another note." Its primary role is to alert the listener that the speaker is about to introduce information or a question that is not logically connected to the preceding sentence. This is crucial in Japanese social harmony (wa), as jumping from one topic to another without a transition can feel jarring or even rude. By using tokorode, you provide a cognitive bridge for your interlocutor, allowing them to reset their mental context before processing the new subject matter.

Grammatical Category: Conjunction (Discourse Marker)
Core Function: To introduce a new, unrelated topic or to bring up a question that just came to mind.

The word is composed of tokoro (place/point) and the particle de (at/by). Historically, it referred to a physical or temporal point, but in modern Japanese, it has evolved into a functional tool for navigating the flow of speech. It is most commonly heard in daily conversations, business meetings, and casual emails. For instance, after discussing the weather for several minutes, a speaker might realize they forgot to ask about a mutual friend. They would say, "Tokorode, how is Tanaka-san?" This usage is nearly identical to the English "By the way."

今日はいい天気ですね。ところで、お昼ご飯は何を食べますか？ (It's nice weather today. By the way, what are you having for lunch?)

It is important to note that tokorode is not used to conclude a conversation, but rather to expand it in a new direction. It is a proactive word. When you hear it, you should expect the current thread of conversation to be abandoned. In a business context, it can be used to move from small talk to the actual agenda, though more formal alternatives like sate might be preferred in very stiff environments. However, for most A2 and B1 level interactions, tokorode is the most natural and versatile choice.

Furthermore, tokorode is often used when the speaker wants to ask a question that might otherwise feel intrusive. By framing it with "by the way," the question feels more like a spontaneous thought rather than a calculated interrogation. This softening effect is a key part of Japanese pragmatics. In written form, it often appears at the beginning of a new paragraph in a letter or an email to signal a change in subject matter, much like a transition word in English essay writing.

テストは難しかったですね。ところで、週末のパーティーに行きますか？ (The test was hard, wasn't it? By the way, are you going to the party this weekend?)

In summary, tokorode is a tool for redirection. It allows the speaker to take control of the conversation's trajectory without violating the social expectation of continuity. Whether you are a student talking to a teacher or a friend chatting over coffee, mastering this word will make your Japanese sound significantly more fluid and natural. It acts as the "reset button" for the topic at hand, ensuring that both the speaker and the listener are on the same page as the discussion moves forward into new territory.

Using ところで (Tokorode) correctly requires an understanding of sentence placement and conversational timing. Grammatically, it is very simple: it almost always appears at the very beginning of a sentence. It does not modify verbs or nouns directly; instead, it modifies the entire communicative act that follows it. You can think of it as a signpost placed at a fork in the road of your conversation.

Sentence Position: Sentence-initial (at the start of the sentence).
Punctuation: Usually followed by a comma (、) in writing to indicate a pause.

One of the most common patterns is [Statement A]. [Tokorode], [Question B]? This pattern is effective because it acknowledges the previous topic before swiftly moving to the next. For example, if you are discussing a movie, you might say: "The movie was long. Tokorode, what time is it now?" Here, the time has nothing to do with the movie's quality, but the speaker needs to know the time to plan their next move. The transition is smooth because tokorode signals the break in logic.

昨日はありがとうございました。ところで、来週の会議は何時からですか？ (Thank you for yesterday. By the way, what time is next week's meeting?)

In more formal writing, such as business emails, tokorode is used to separate the greeting or the main business from a secondary point. For example, after discussing a contract, one might write: "Tokorode, I heard you were promoted. Congratulations." This usage maintains a professional tone while allowing for a personal touch. It is less formal than sate (well/now) but more formal than sore wa sou to (that aside), making it a safe "middle ground" for learners.

Another usage is in the middle of a monologue where the speaker realizes they have digressed or want to return to a previous point, though sate is often better for returning. Tokorode is almost exclusively for moving *away* from the current topic. If you are talking about your cat and suddenly remember you need to pay back some money, tokorode is your best friend. It acts as a verbal "reset" that clears the air for the new subject.

旅行は楽しかったです。ところで、田中さんは元気ですか？ (The trip was fun. By the way, is Tanaka-san doing well?)

Finally, consider the intonation. When saying tokorode, there is often a slight rise in pitch on the 'de' or a brief pause after the word. This auditory cue helps the listener realize that the previous topic is finished. In textbooks, you will often see it used to introduce a question. This is because questions are the most common way to change a topic—they demand a response on the new subject, effectively forcing the conversation to move forward. Practice using it to transition from a statement about yourself to a question about the other person.

Common Pattern 1: [Small Talk]. ところで、[Main Topic/Question]?
Common Pattern 2: [Closing a topic]. ところで、[New Information].

You will hear ところで (Tokorode) in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the most casual anime dialogues to serious news broadcasts. It is a staple of spoken Japanese because human conversation is naturally non-linear. We rarely stick to one topic for long, and tokorode is the engine that allows us to jump between ideas without causing confusion. In daily life, you'll hear it at the dinner table, in the office, and while hanging out with friends.

In the workplace, tokorode is frequently used during the transition from "ice-breaking" to the actual business at hand. Japanese business culture often involves a period of polite small talk about the weather, health, or recent events. Once the senior person or the host feels enough rapport has been built, they will say, "Tokorode, about the project..." This signals to everyone in the room that it is time to focus and get to work. It is a polite but firm way to steer the group's attention.

部長：最近は暑いですね。社員：そうですね。部長：ところで、例の件はどうなりましたか？ (Manager: It's been hot lately. Employee: It has. Manager: By the way, what happened with that matter?)

In media, such as talk shows or interviews, the host uses tokorode to move through a list of prepared questions. If an interviewee is talking at length about their childhood, and the host needs to ask about their new movie, tokorode is the tool they use to interrupt politely. In anime and manga, characters often use it when they suddenly remember a plot point or a secret they need to share. It often accompanies a visual cue, like a character tapping their palm with their fist or a lightbulb appearing over their head.

In written Japanese, particularly in personal letters or blogs, tokorode serves as a paragraph starter. It helps organize the writer's thoughts. For example, a blogger might write about their weekend trip and then use tokorode to mention a book they just finished. It keeps the writing from feeling like a random stream of consciousness by explicitly labeling the shift in focus. In social media posts (like on X/Twitter), it's used to pivot from a general observation to a specific question for followers.

メールの最後：...また連絡します。ところで、お体は大丈夫ですか？ (End of email: ...I'll contact you again. By the way, is your health okay?)

Interestingly, tokorode is also used in academic or semi-formal lectures. A professor might be explaining a theory and then say, "Tokorode, have you heard of this related experiment?" This keeps the students engaged by breaking up long explanations with related but distinct information. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between structured discourse and spontaneous thought. As you listen to more Japanese, try to count how many times you hear it in a single hour of a podcast or TV show—you'll be surprised by its frequency!

Social Context: Used across all social classes and ages.
Media Usage: High frequency in interviews, talk shows, and news transitions.

While ところで (Tokorode) is a simple word, learners often fall into several common traps. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with other words that sound similar or have related meanings, specifically tokoro ga and the grammar pattern V-ta tokoro de. Understanding the differences between these is vital for moving beyond the beginner level.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Tokoro ga': Many learners use tokorode when they mean "however" or "even so." That is the role of tokoro ga. Tokorode changes the topic; tokoro ga introduces a contradiction or an unexpected result. If you say "I went to the store. Tokorode, it was closed," you are saying "By the way, it was closed," which sounds like the closure was an unrelated side-note. You should use tokoro ga to show the contrast.

Another major pitfall is the confusion with the conditional grammar ~ta tokoro de. This pattern is attached directly to the past tense of a verb (e.g., ittat tokoro de) and means "even if I go... [it's no use]." This is a completely different grammatical structure. The conjunction tokorode always stands alone at the beginning of a sentence. If you see it attached to a verb, it is not the "by the way" tokorode.

❌ 走ったところで、間に合わない。 (Even if I run, I won't make it.)
✅ ところで、走るのは好きですか？ (By the way, do you like running?)

A third mistake involves using tokorode too frequently. In English, we might use "by the way" or "anyway" quite often, but in Japanese, overusing tokorode can make your speech feel fragmented or scatterbrained. It suggests that you cannot focus on one topic for long. Use it sparingly—only when a genuine shift in topic is necessary. If the new topic is somewhat related to the old one, consider using sore wa sou to or sore ni shite mo instead.

Finally, learners sometimes use tokorode to mean "so" or "therefore." This is incorrect. Tokorode does not show cause and effect. If you want to say "I was hungry, so I ate," use dakara or node. Tokorode breaks the logical chain; it doesn't strengthen it. Always ask yourself: "Is what I am about to say completely different from what I just said?" If the answer is yes, tokorode is the right choice.

Summary of Misuse: 1. Using it for contrast (use tokoro ga instead).
2. Using it as a conditional (use ~ta tokoro de).
3. Overuse in a single conversation.
4. Using it to show cause/effect.

Japanese has several ways to change the topic, each with its own nuance and level of formality. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most appropriate word for the situation. While ところで (Tokorode) is the most common, it isn't always the best fit.

さて (Sate): This is more formal and structured than tokorode. It is often translated as "Well now" or "Now then." While tokorode is for spontaneous shifts, sate is used when moving to a planned next step. A teacher might use sate to move from checking attendance to starting the lesson.
それはそうと (Sore wa sou to): This literally means "That aside" or "Leaving that aside." It is slightly more casual and conversational than tokorode. It carries a nuance of "I acknowledge what you just said, but I want to talk about this other thing now." It’s very common among friends.

If you want to be very explicit about changing the subject, you can use the phrase hanashi wa kawarimasu ga (the subject changes, but...). This is very polite and clear. It is often used in business settings when the speaker wants to ensure everyone realizes a new topic is beginning. It is much more formal than a simple tokorode.

話は変わりますが、来月の予定を確認させてください。 (Changing the subject, please let me confirm next month's schedule.)

Another alternative is tsuide ni (while you're at it / incidentally). This is used when the new topic is somewhat related to the current action or topic. For example, "I'm going to the store. Tsuide ni, do you want some milk?" This is different from tokorode because there is a logical link between the two actions. Tokorode would be used if you were talking about a movie and then suddenly asked about milk.

In very casual speech, you might hear sou ieba (speaking of which / that reminds me). This is used when something in the current conversation triggers a memory. It’s not a completely unrelated shift like tokorode, but a shift based on an association. For example, if someone mentions a cat, and you remember you need to buy cat food, you would use sou ieba.

Comparison Table

Tokorode: General "By the way." Unrelated shift.
Sate: Formal "Now then." Planned shift.
Sore wa sou to: Casual "That aside."
Sou ieba: "That reminds me." Associative shift.
Tsuide ni: "While I'm at it." Related addition.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

"本日はありがとうございました。ところで、例の契約書の件ですが、ご確認いただけましたでしょうか。"

محايد

"いい天気ですね。ところで、お昼は何を食べますか？"

غير رسمي

"昨日は楽しかったね！ところでさ、あの話どうなった？"

Child friendly

"公園に行こう！ところで、おやつは持った？"

عامية

"てか、ところでさ、あいつ何なの？"

حقيقة ممتعة

In classical Japanese, 'tokoro' was used much more literally. The transition to a discourse marker happened as speakers began using 'at that point' to mean 'at this point in our conversation,' which eventually became a tool for shifting the 'mental place' of the discussion.

دليل النطق

UK /to.ko.ɾo.de/

US /toʊ.koʊ.roʊ.deɪ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Tokorode' generally has a flat pitch or a slight drop after 'ro'.

يتقافى مع

Soko de (there) Doko de (where) Koko de (here) Hito de (person/hand) Mado de (at the window) Kado de (at the corner) Uto de (song/poem - archaic) Ato de (later)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'de' as 'dee'. It should be 'deh'.
Stress on the wrong syllable. Keep all syllables relatively even.
Elongating the 'o' sounds into diphthongs.
Mumbling the 'r' (tap). It should be clear but brief.
Forgetting the pause after the word in conversation.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it usually starts a sentence.

الكتابة 2/5

Simple to write in hiragana. Just remember the comma.

التحدث 3/5

Requires good timing and intonation to sound natural.

الاستماع 2/5

Easy to hear as it's a distinct four-syllable word at the start of a phrase.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

Tokoro (Place) De (Particle) Soshite (And) Shikashi (But) Dakara (So)

تعلّم لاحقاً

Sate (Now then) Tokoro ga (However) Sore wa sou to (That aside) Sou ieba (Speaking of which) Tsuide ni (While you're at it)

متقدم

V-ta tokoro de (Even if...) Tokoro wo (In the middle of...) Koto ni yoru to (Depending on...) Izure ni seyo (In any case)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Sentence-initial conjunctions

そして、しかし、だから、ところで。

Topic marker 'wa'

ところで、田中さんは元気ですか？

Question particle 'ka'

ところで、お名前は何ですか？

Polite copula 'desu'

ところで、これは何ですか？

Past tense 'ta'

ところで、昨日の映画は見ましたか？

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

いい天気ですね。ところで、お名前は何ですか？

It's nice weather. By the way, what is your name?

Tokorode is used to change from weather to a personal question.

これは私のペンです。ところで、それは何ですか？

This is my pen. By the way, what is that?

Changes the focus from one object to another.

お元気ですか？ところで、今は何時ですか？

How are you? By the way, what time is it now?

Transitions from a greeting to a practical question.

りんごが好きです。ところで、バナナは好きですか？

I like apples. By the way, do you like bananas?

Shifts from one fruit to another.

今日は月曜日です。ところで、明日は休みですか？

Today is Monday. By the way, are you off tomorrow?

Changes from a fact about today to a question about tomorrow.

日本語は楽しいです。ところで、英語は難しいですか？

Japanese is fun. By the way, is English difficult?

Transitions between two different languages.

ここは教室です。ところで、トイレはどこですか？

This is the classroom. By the way, where is the restroom?

Shifts from a statement of location to a request for directions.

さようなら。ところで、また明日会いますか？

Goodbye. By the way, will we meet again tomorrow?

Adds a final question before parting.

昨日のテストは難しかったですね。ところで、週末は何をしますか？

Yesterday's test was hard, wasn't it? By the way, what are you doing this weekend?

Transitions from school talk to weekend plans.

この料理はおいしいですね。ところで、作り方を知っていますか？

This food is delicious. By the way, do you know how to make it?

Shifts from a compliment to a question about the recipe.

田中さんは親切な人です。ところで、彼はどこに住んでいますか？

Tanaka-san is a kind person. By the way, where does he live?

Changes from a personality trait to a factual question.

仕事が終わりました。ところで、一緒に飲みに行きませんか？

Work is finished. By the way, would you like to go for a drink together?

Transitions from a statement about work to an invitation.

新しい靴を買いました。ところで、そのカバンはどこで買いましたか？

I bought new shoes. By the way, where did you buy that bag?

Shifts from one's own shopping to the other person's.

明日は雨が降るそうです。ところで、傘を持っていますか？

I heard it will rain tomorrow. By the way, do you have an umbrella?

Transitions from a weather forecast to a practical question.

京都はとてもきれいでした。ところで、お土産は買いましたか？

Kyoto was very beautiful. By the way, did you buy any souvenirs?

Shifts from a travel impression to a specific question about shopping.

お腹が空きましたね。ところで、近くにいいレストランはありますか？

We're hungry, aren't we? By the way, is there a good restaurant nearby?

Transitions from a feeling to a request for information.

最近、運動を始めました。ところで、健康のために何かしていますか？

I started exercising recently. By the way, are you doing anything for your health?

Transitions from personal news to a general health question.

プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。ところで、予算の件ですが...

The project is progressing smoothly. By the way, regarding the budget...

Shifts from a general status update to a specific, serious topic.

昨日は映画を見に行きました。ところで、あの俳優の名前を覚えていますか？

I went to see a movie yesterday. By the way, do you remember that actor's name?

Changes from an activity to a specific detail from that activity.

メールありがとうございました。ところで、来週のご予定はいかがですか？

Thank you for the email. By the way, how is your schedule for next week?

Transitions from a polite opening to a scheduling request.

この本はとても面白いですよ。ところで、最近何か読みましたか？

This book is very interesting. By the way, have you read anything recently?

Shifts from a recommendation to a question about the other person's habits.

もうすぐ夏休みですね。ところで、どこかへ旅行に行く予定はありますか？

It's almost summer vacation. By the way, do you have plans to travel somewhere?

Transitions from a seasonal comment to a specific plan question.

会議の資料をまとめました。ところで、佐藤さんは今日お休みですか？

I've compiled the meeting materials. By the way, is Sato-san off today?

Shifts from a completed task to a question about a colleague.

新しいスマホは使いやすいです。ところで、前のスマホはどうしましたか？

The new smartphone is easy to use. By the way, what did you do with your old one?

Changes from a review to a question about past possessions.

ご指摘の通り、修正が必要です。ところで、納期を一日延ばすことは可能でしょうか？

As you pointed out, corrections are necessary. By the way, would it be possible to extend the deadline by one day?

Transitions from admitting a mistake to a strategic request.

この地域の人口は減少傾向にあります。ところで、隣の町の状況はどうでしょうか？

The population in this area is on a downward trend. By the way, what is the situation in the neighboring town?

Shifts from a specific data point to a comparative question.

先日は素晴らしい講演をありがとうございました。ところで、先生の最新の論文を拝読したのですが...

Thank you for the wonderful lecture the other day. By the way, I read your latest paper...

Transitions from a polite greeting to a specific academic discussion.

景気は少しずつ回復しているようです。ところで、消費者物価指数の推移についてはどうお考えですか？

The economy seems to be recovering little by little. By the way, what are your thoughts on the trend of the Consumer Price Index?

Shifts from a general economic observation to a technical question.

デザイン案はこれで決定ですね。ところで、印刷会社の選定は進んでいますか？

The design proposal is decided with this, then. By the way, is the selection of the printing company progressing?

Transitions from a decision to the next operational step.

彼は非常に優秀なエンジニアです。ところで、今回のチーム編成に彼の意見は反映されていますか？

He is a very talented engineer. By the way, is his opinion reflected in this team formation?

Shifts from a character evaluation to a management question.

このアプリのユーザー数は順調に増えています。ところで、海外展開の準備はどうなっていますか？

The number of users for this app is increasing steadily. By the way, how are the preparations for overseas expansion going?

Transitions from local success to global strategy.

本日はお忙しい中、お越しいただきありがとうございます。ところで、例の契約書の件ですが、確認いただけましたでしょうか？

Thank you for coming today despite your busy schedule. By the way, regarding that contract, were you able to check it?

Shifts from a formal greeting to a specific business inquiry.

現代社会におけるプライバシーの定義は揺らいでいます。ところで、監視カメラの設置に関する倫理的議論はどこまで進んでいるのでしょうか。

The definition of privacy in modern society is wavering. By the way, how far has the ethical debate regarding the installation of surveillance cameras progressed?

Transitions from a philosophical premise to a specific societal question.

著者はこの章で孤独の本質を論じています。ところで、彼が晩年に残した日記には、これとは対照的な記述が見られます。

The author discusses the essence of loneliness in this chapter. By the way, in the diary he left in his later years, descriptions contrasting with this can be seen.

Shifts from literary analysis to biographical evidence.

市場の独占はイノベーションを阻害する可能性があります。ところで、最近のテック企業の動向を歴史的観点から見直すと、興味深い共通点が浮かび上がります。

Market monopolies can potentially hinder innovation. By the way, re-examining recent tech company trends from a historical perspective reveals interesting commonalities.

Transitions from an economic theory to a historical analysis.

伝統文化の継承は容易ではありません。ところで、若者の間で見られる『レトロブーム』は、この問題に対する一つの解となり得るのでしょうか。

Inheriting traditional culture is not easy. By the way, can the 'retro boom' seen among young people serve as one solution to this problem?

Shifts from a cultural challenge to a potential contemporary solution.

この実験結果は仮説を裏付けています。ところで、測定誤差の範囲については再検討の余地があるのではないでしょうか。

These experimental results support the hypothesis. By the way, isn't there room for re-examination regarding the range of measurement error?

Transitions from a positive result to a critical methodological question.

都市開発と自然保護のバランスは常に課題です。ところで、北欧諸国における都市計画の成功例をご存知でしょうか。

The balance between urban development and nature conservation is always a challenge. By the way, are you familiar with successful examples of urban planning in Nordic countries?

Shifts from a general problem to a specific international example.

言語は思考を規定するという説があります。ところで、多言語話者の脳内では、この規定はどのように作用しているのでしょうか。

There is a theory that language determines thought. By the way, how does this determination act within the brains of multilingual speakers?

Transitions from a linguistic theory to a neurological question.

作品の評価は時代とともに変化します。ところで、同時代の批評家たちがこの作品を酷評した理由は、当時の政治的背景に深く根ざしていました。

The evaluation of a work changes with the times. By the way, the reason contemporary critics panned this work was deeply rooted in the political background of the time.

Shifts from a general aesthetic principle to a specific historical fact.

量子力学の非局所性は、我々の直感的な空間概念を根底から覆すものです。ところで、この現象が意識の創発に寄与しているという仮説については、どのような見解をお持ちですか。

The non-locality of quantum mechanics fundamentally overturns our intuitive concept of space. By the way, what views do you hold regarding the hypothesis that this phenomenon contributes to the emergence of consciousness?

Transitions from a physics principle to a highly speculative philosophical/scientific question.

法治国家における正義の実現は、常に手続きの正当性に依存しています。ところで、法学の枠組みを超えた『自然法』の概念が、現代の司法判断に及ぼす潜在的影響についてはどう評価すべきでしょうか。

The realization of justice in a constitutional state always depends on the legitimacy of procedures. By the way, how should we evaluate the potential influence that the concept of 'natural law,' which transcends legal frameworks, exerts on modern judicial decisions?

Shifts from a legalistic premise to a deep jurisprudential inquiry.

マクロ経済の安定化政策は、短期的には有効ですが、長期的には構造的な歪みを生むリスクを孕んでいます。ところで、貨幣のデジタル化が中央銀行の独立性に与えるパラダイムシフトについては、どのようにお考えでしょうか。

Macroeconomic stabilization policies are effective in the short term but harbor the risk of creating structural distortions in the long term. By the way, what are your thoughts on the paradigm shift that the digitalization of currency imposes on the independence of central banks?

Transitions from a classic economic risk to a cutting-edge monetary policy shift.

美学における『崇高』の概念は、カント以来、多くの思想家によって再定義されてきました。ところで、ポストモダン建築における空間の断片化が、この『崇高』の経験をどのように変容させたのかという問いは、極めて示唆に富んでいます。

The concept of the 'sublime' in aesthetics has been redefined by many thinkers since Kant. By the way, the question of how the fragmentation of space in postmodern architecture has transformed this experience of the 'sublime' is extremely suggestive.

Shifts from philosophical history to contemporary architectural criticism.

遺伝子編集技術の進歩は、疾患の根絶という希望をもたらす一方で、優生学的な懸念を再燃させています。ところで、この技術が『人間性』そのものの定義を不可逆的に変容させる可能性について、我々は十分な議論を尽くしていると言えるでしょうか。

Advances in gene-editing technology bring hope for the eradication of diseases, while simultaneously reigniting eugenic concerns. By the way, can we say that we have exhausted the discussion regarding the possibility that this technology might irreversibly transform the definition of 'humanity' itself?

Transitions from a bioethical dilemma to a fundamental existential question.

情報の非対称性が市場の失敗を招くことは、経済学の基本原則です。ところで、アルゴリズムによる価格決定が、この非対称性を解消するどころか、新たな形の市場支配を生み出しているという現状をどう捉えるべきでしょうか。

It is a basic principle of economics that information asymmetry leads to market failure. By the way, how should we perceive the current situation where price determination by algorithms, far from resolving this asymmetry, is creating new forms of market dominance?

Shifts from an economic principle to a critique of modern algorithmic markets.

古典文学の翻訳において、逐語訳と意訳の相克は永遠の課題です。ところで、特定の文化圏に固有の『情緒』を他言語で再現する際、翻訳者が直面する『翻訳不可能性』の壁については、どのようなアプローチが有効だと思われますか。

In the translation of classical literature, the conflict between literal and liberal translation is an eternal challenge. By the way, when reproducing 'emotions' unique to a specific cultural sphere in another language, what approach do you think is effective regarding the wall of 'untranslatability' that translators face?

Transitions from a general translation problem to a deep linguistic/cultural challenge.

国家主権の概念は、グローバル化の進展とともにその絶対性を失いつつあります。ところで、サイバー空間における領土概念の希薄化が、国際法上の『主権』の再定義を迫っているという議論については、どのような見解をお持ちでしょうか。

The concept of national sovereignty is losing its absoluteness with the progress of globalization. By the way, what views do you hold regarding the argument that the thinning of the concept of territory in cyberspace is forcing a redefinition of 'sovereignty' under international law?

Shifts from a geopolitical trend to a complex legal redefinition.

تلازمات شائعة

ところで、質問ですが

ところで、例の件ですが

ところで、話は変わりますが

ところで、お体の方は

ところで、週末の予定は

ところで、さっきの話ですが

ところで、あの方はどなたですか

ところで、一つお聞きしたいのですが

ところで、お昼は

ところで、昨日のことですが

العبارات الشائعة

ところで、お名前は？

ところで、何時ですか？

ところで、お元気ですか？

ところで、例の件ですが...

ところで、お腹空きませんか？

ところで、明日の予定は？

ところで、あれはどうなりました？

ところで、最近どう？

ところで、一つ質問いいですか？

ところで、あの件はもういいです。

يُخلط عادةً مع

ところで vs Tokoro ga

Means 'however'. It shows contrast, whereas 'tokorode' changes the topic.

ところで vs V-ta tokoro de

A grammar pattern meaning 'even if... it's no use'. It's attached to a verb, not used as a conjunction.

ところで vs Sate

More formal and used for planned transitions rather than spontaneous ones.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"ところで話は変わるが"

A set phrase used to explicitly signal a topic change, often in writing.

ところで話は変わるが、来週の予定はどうなっているだろうか。

Formal/Written

"それはさておき、ところで"

A double transition used to firmly push aside the current topic and start a new one.

それはさておき、ところで、君の進路はどうするんだ？

Neutral

"ところで何だっけ"

By the way, what was it? Used when you forget what you were going to say after a transition.

ところで...何だっけ、言おうとしたこと。

Informal

"ところで一つ"

By the way, one [thing/question]. Used to introduce a single point.

ところで一つ、確認させてください。

Neutral

"ところでさあ"

By the way... (casual). The 'saa' adds a conversational, attention-grabbing nuance.

ところでさあ、あの店、もう行った？

Casual

"ところで、例の..."

By the way, about 'that' (the thing we both know).

ところで、例の計画はどうなった？

Neutral

"ところで、君は"

By the way, as for you... Used to turn the focus of the conversation onto the listener.

私は元気です。ところで、君は最近どうだい？

Neutral

"ところで、話のついでに"

By the way, while we're on the subject (though usually the subject is changing).

ところで、話のついでに、これも渡しておきます。

Neutral

"ところで、お耳に入れたいことが"

By the way, there's something I want to tell you (lit. put in your ear).

ところで、お耳に入れたいことがございます。

Polite

"ところで、あとのことは"

By the way, as for the rest...

今日はこれで終わりです。ところで、あとのことは任せてもいいですか？

Neutral

سهل الخلط

ところで vs ところが

Sounds similar.

Tokoro ga is for contrast (but/however). Tokorode is for topic change (by the way).

雨が降った。ところが、試合は続いた。(It rained. However, the game continued.)

ところで vs ところで (Grammar)

Identical spelling.

The grammar pattern follows a past-tense verb and means 'even if'. The conjunction starts a sentence.

今さら謝ったところで、許さない。(Even if you apologize now, I won't forgive you.)

ところで vs ところで (Location)

Literal meaning.

Sometimes used literally to mean 'at the place where...'.

彼が倒れたところで、助けを呼んだ。(At the place where he fell, I called for help.)

ところで vs そこで

Similar structure.

Sokode means 'therefore' or 'so' (based on that situation).

雨が降った。そこで、傘を買った。(It rained. So, I bought an umbrella.)

ところで vs ところでさあ

Casual variation.

Just a more casual version of tokorode, but learners might not recognize the 'saa'.

ところでさあ、昨日の宿題やった？(By the way, did you do yesterday's homework?)

أنماط الجُمل

ところで、[Question]？

ところで、お名前は何ですか？

[Statement]。ところで、[Question]？

いい天気ですね。ところで、お昼は何を食べますか？

[Greeting]。ところで、[Topic]の件ですが...

お疲れ様です。ところで、来週の会議の件ですが...

[Discussion]. ところで、[New Perspective]については？

人口が減っています。ところで、海外の事例についてはどうですか？

[Analysis]. ところで、[Contrasting Fact]をご存知ですか？

この説は有名です。ところで、反対のデータがあるのをご存知ですか？

[Complex Premise]. ところで、[Philosophical Question]。

社会は変化しています。ところで、人間の本質は変わるのでしょうか。

ところで、[Time/Location]は？

ところで、駅はどこですか？

ところで、[Person]さんは？

ところで、田中さんは今日来ますか？

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

مرتبط

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business transitions.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 'Tokorode' to mean 'However'. → Tokoro ga
Tokorode changes the topic; it doesn't contradict the previous statement.
Attaching 'Tokorode' to a verb to mean 'By the way'. → ところで (at the start of the sentence)
If attached to a verb, it becomes a conditional grammar meaning 'even if'.
Using 'Tokorode' to summarize a conversation. → Tsumari / Matomeru to
Tokorode is for starting something new, not for wrapping up.
Overusing 'Tokorode' in every other sentence. → Use it only once or twice per conversation.
Too many topic changes make you sound disorganized or unfocused.
Using 'Tokorode' as a synonym for 'Therefore'. → Dakara / Sokode
Tokorode does not show a logical result; it shows a logical break.

نصائح

Start of the Sentence

Always place 'Tokorode' at the very beginning of your sentence to ensure the transition is clear.

Wait for a Pause

To remain polite, wait for the other person to finish their thought before using 'Tokorode' to change the subject.

Avoid Contradiction

Don't use 'Tokorode' if you want to say 'but' or 'however'. Use 'Tokoro ga' or 'Demo' instead.

Ice-Breaking

Use 'Tokorode' to transition from small talk about the weather to your actual business agenda.

The 'Tokorode' Pause

Add a slight pause after saying 'Tokorode' to give your listener a 'mental reset' for the new topic.

Email Transitions

Use 'Tokorode' in emails to introduce a secondary point or a personal question after the main message.

Textbook Dialogues

Look for 'Tokorode' in your textbook dialogues; it's almost always there when the characters change the subject.

Not for Conclusion

Remember that 'Tokorode' starts a new topic; it doesn't summarize or end the current one.

Adding 'Sa'

In casual speech with friends, you can say 'Tokorode sa' to make the transition sound more natural and friendly.

Vs. Sou ieba

Use 'Sou ieba' if the new topic was triggered by something just said. Use 'Tokorode' if it's a completely random thought.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Tokoro' as 'Total' and 'De' as 'Departure'. A 'Tokorode' is a 'Total Departure' from the current topic!

ربط بصري

Imagine a car driving down a straight road (the current topic) and suddenly taking a sharp right turn (Tokorode) into a completely different landscape.

Word Web

By the way Topic change Incidentally Conversation pivot New question Social lubricant Sentence starter Transition

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'Tokorode' at least three times in your next Japanese conversation to change the subject from something boring to something you actually want to talk about.

أصل الكلمة

The word is a combination of the noun 'tokoro' (所), meaning 'place' or 'point', and the particle 'de' (で), which indicates location or means. Originally, it meant 'at that point' or 'in that place.'

المعنى الأصلي: At that point / In that place.

Japonic

السياق الثقافي

Avoid using it to interrupt someone mid-sentence. Always wait for a pause.

Equivalent to 'By the way' or 'Incidentally'. Used similarly to pivot conversations.

Commonly used by talk show hosts like Tetsuko Kuroyanagi to transition between interview segments. Frequently appears in 'Detective Conan' when Conan suddenly notices a clue and changes the topic. A staple word in 'Shin-chan' when the main character abruptly asks an unrelated, often embarrassing question.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Small Talk to Business

ところで、本題に入りますが
ところで、例の件ですが
ところで、進捗はいかがですか
ところで、予算についてですが

Meeting a Friend

ところで、最近どう？
ところで、あの話聞いた？
ところで、お腹空いてない？
ところで、週末空いてる？

Ending a Conversation

ところで、また連絡するね
ところで、今日はありがとう
ところで、お大事に
ところで、気をつけて帰ってね

Asking for Information

ところで、ここはどこですか
ところで、駅はどちらですか
ところで、何時までですか
ところで、おいくらですか

Writing an Email

ところで、お元気でお過ごしでしょうか
ところで、先日の資料ですが
ところで、一つお願いがあるのですが
ところで、追伸ですが

بدايات محادثة

"いい天気ですね。ところで、週末は何をしますか？"

"お疲れ様です。ところで、今日のランチは何にしましたか？"

"日本語の勉強はどうですか？ところで、好きな日本料理は何ですか？"

"最近忙しいですね。ところで、旅行に行く予定はありますか？"

"その服、素敵ですね。ところで、どこで買ったんですか？"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

今日あったことを書いてください。ところで、明日の目標は何ですか？

好きな映画について書いてください。ところで、最近見た映画は何ですか？

あなたの趣味は何ですか？ところで、新しい趣味を始めたいですか？

今日の天気はどうでしたか？ところで、あなたはどの季節が一番好きですか？

最近読んだ本について書いてください。ところで、次に読みたい本はありますか？

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, 'tokorode' is a conjunction that must appear at the beginning of a sentence to signal a topic change. It cannot be used as a sentence ending.

Yes, it is neutral and can be used with a boss. However, if you want to be extra polite, you might say 'O-hanashi no tochu desu ga' or 'Hanashi wa kawarimasu ga'.

'Tokorode' is neutral and standard. 'Sore wa sou to' is more casual and literally means 'that aside,' implying you are intentionally ignoring the previous topic.

Yes, but use it sparingly. In academic writing, more formal transitions like 'Sate' or 'Tsugi ni' (Next) are often preferred to maintain a professional tone.

Not always, but it very often does. Changing the topic usually involves asking the other person something new to engage them in the new subject.

While 'tokoro' can be written as 所, 'tokorode' as a conjunction is almost always written in hiragana (ところで).

It's better to wait for a pause. Using it to cut someone off is considered rude, just like 'By the way' can be in English.

Yes, news anchors use it to transition between different news stories or segments.

The conjunction 'tokorode' starts the sentence. The grammar pattern 'tokoro de' is attached directly to a verb in the past tense (e.g., 'shita tokoro de').

The most common use is transitioning from small talk (like the weather) to a specific question or the main reason for the conversation.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات

اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة

writing

Write a Japanese sentence using 'Tokorode' to change the topic from the weather to a question about lunch.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.