ところで: meaning and usage

How to form it

• ところで+sentence

How it is used

A conjunction that changes the subject: 'by the way'. It brings up a new topic after another is finished. 「さて」 moves on to the main business; 「そういえば」 is prompted by what was just said.

Examples

1. ところで、 皆さんお腹は減っていませんか？

   By the way, isn't everyone hungry?

2. ところで、来週の旅行の準備はできた？

   By the way, are you all set for next week's trip?

3. それはよかったですね。ところで、お昼はもう食べましたか。

   That's great. By the way, have you had lunch yet?