〜ところで
by the way
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜ところで.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ところで」 means "by the way". Structure: ところで + Sentence. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1ところで、利用はどうなりましたか。
ところで、りよう は どう なりました か。
tokorode, riyou wa dou narimashita ka.
By the way, what happened to the use?
Everyday life
Example 2ところで、指導はどうなりましたか。
ところで、しどう は どう なりました か。
tokorode, shidou wa dou narimashita ka.
By the way, what happened to the guidance?
Everyday life
Example 3ところで、記録はどうなりましたか。
ところで、きろく は どう なりました か。
tokorode, kiroku wa dou narimashita ka.
By the way, what happened to the record?
Everyday life
Example 4ところで、配送はどうなりましたか。
ところで、はいそう は どう なりました か。
tokorode, haisou wa dou narimashita ka.
By the way, what happened to the shipping?
Everyday life
Example 5ところで、通訳はどうなりましたか。
ところで、つうやく は どう なりました か。
tokorode, tsuuyaku wa dou narimashita ka.
By the way, what happened to the interpretation?
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
By the way, what happened to the use?
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ところで.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.