JLPT N3 grammar

ところがmeaning and usage

Meaning

Although A (was planned/expected), B (unexpected)

How to form it

  • sentenceところがsentence

How it is used

A conjunction: what happened went against expectation or plan, 'however, but then'. The second sentence is an unexpected fact that has occurred, not a wish or command. It stresses surprise more than 「しかし」.

Examples

  1. 私は来年留学します。ところがパスポートをまだ準備していません。

    I'm going to study abroad next year. However, I haven't prepared my passport yet.

  2. 天気予報では晴れだった。ところが、午後から大雨になった。

    The forecast said sunny. But then it poured from the afternoon on.

  3. 急いで駅に行った。ところが、電車はもう出た後だった。

    I hurried to the station, only to find the train had already left.