ところで
tokorode
The Japanese phrase for "by the way" is ところで (tokorode).
ところで is used to mean "incidentally" or "by the way." While it serves a similar function to the English phrase, it is most often used to signal a complete shift in the direction of a conversation rather than just adding a minor detail.
Meaning: incidentally (prep_phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
It is typically placed at the very beginning of a sentence to signal the topic change.
How do you pronounce it?
tokorode
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, ところで can function as a conjunction meaning 'however' or 'even if'. In these cases, it is used to show that a particular action will not change the ultimate result.
- The word ところ can mean 'place' or 'moment'. When used in ところで, it literally refers to a specific point in the conversation, essentially saying 'at this point'.
- Using ところで can sometimes be a social cue that the current topic has become uncomfortable or exhausted. It acts as a polite 'escape hatch' to move the conversation to safer ground.
Examples in context
- ところで、午後は空いてる？By the way, are you free this afternoon?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's availability for the afternoon using ところで.Tatoeba #667998 by arihato, translation #38040 by Zifre
- ところで、この後何するの？By the way, what are you doing after this?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's plans using ところで.Tatoeba #9092733 by small_snow, translation #9092732 by Hybrid
- ところで、おいくつなんですか？By the way, how old are you?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's age using ところで.Tatoeba #9997094 by bunbuku, translation #38064 by CK
- 今日はコンサートに行きます。ところで、チケットを持っていますか？Today, I'm going to a concert. By the way, do you have the ticket?
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans.
- 大翔 Hiroto今度の土曜日は、映画に行こうよ。Kondo no doyoubi wa, eiga ni ikou yo.Let's go to a movie this coming Saturday.
- 結衣 Yuiいいね。何時に待ち合わせする？Ii ne. Nan-ji ni machiawase suru?Sounds good. What time should we meet?
- 大翔 Hirotoところで、チケットはもう買ったの？Tokoro de, chiketto wa mou katta no?By the way, did you already buy the tickets?
- 結衣 Yuiあ、忘れてた！今すぐ予約するね。A, wasureteta! Ima sugu yoyaku suru ne.Oh, I forgot! I'll reserve them right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ところで, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
