ところで
tokorode
The English phrase "btw" can be translated into Japanese as ところで (tokorode).
ところで is used to abruptly change the subject or to transition from a current topic to a completely different one.
Which one should you use?
ところで is used to change the subject, which distinguishes it from phrases like それはそうと (sore wa sō to) that are more commonly used to pivot after acknowledging a previous point.
How do you pronounce it?
tokorode
Did you know?
- The word ところ has a specific grammatical use called the 'te-form' where ところで can mean 'even if'. For example, 走ったところで means 'even if I ran', which is a completely different function than 'by the way'.
- The phrase ところで is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a change in gaze in Japanese culture to visually signal that the speaker is 'stepping away' from the current topic.
- The word ところで (tokorode) is actually a combination of tokoro, meaning 'place', and the particle de, meaning 'at'.
Examples in context
- ところで、明日の会議についてお知らせがあります。By the way, I have some updates about tomorrow's meeting.
- それはさておき、新しい提案をお伝えしたいと思います。Setting that aside, I'd like to share a new proposal.
- ちなみに、明日のパーティーの場所はまだ決まっていませんが、おすすめの場所がありますよ。By the way, the location for tomorrow's party hasn't been decided yet, but I have a recommended place.
- それより、先日行った映画はとても面白かったよ。By the way, the movie I watched the other day was really interesting.
- ところで、明日の予定は？Tokoro de, ashita no yotei wa?By the way, what are your plans for tomorrow?
- ところで、あの店はどこですか？Tokoro de, ano mise wa doko desu ka?By the way, where is that shop?
- ところで、お腹が空きました。Tokoro de, onaka ga sukimashita.By the way, I am hungry.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking home after school.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日は楽しかったね。Kyou wa tanoshikatta ne.Today was fun, wasn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当に。ところで、宿題は終わった？Hontou ni. Tokoro de, shukudai wa owatta?Really. By the way, did you finish your homework?
- 大翔 Hirotoうーん、まだだよ。Uun, mada da yo.Hmm, not yet.
- 美咲 Misaki私もまだなんだ。Watashi mo mada nanda.I'm not finished either.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ところで, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
