JLPT N2 grammar

それはそうとmeaning and usage

Meaning

Used when switching from topics A to B

How to form it

  • sentence。それはそうと、+sentence

How it is used

Acknowledges the topic so far and then switches to another: 'anyway, by the way'. Mostly spoken. Close to 「ところで」, but it literally grants the previous point ('that's so, but…') before moving on.

Examples

  1. 今日はすごい雨だったね！それはそうと風邪は治った？

    Today was really rainy! By the way, did your cold get better?

  2. 試験、お疲れさま。それはそうと、週末は空いてる？

    Well done on finishing the exam. Anyway, are you free this weekend?

  3. この店、本当に安いね。それはそうと、明日の約束、何時だっけ？

    This shop is really cheap, isn't it? Anyway, what time are we meeting tomorrow again?