ところで

• Reading: ところで
• Romaji: tokorode
• Pronunciation: /to.ko.ɾo.de/

Meaning

By the way; incidentally. Used to change the topic in conversation.

A conjunction used to introduce a new or tangential topic in conversation. Functions as a topic-changer and is very common in everyday speech. Unlike ところが (tokoroga, however), ところで does not express contrast but rather shifts the conversation. Always placed at the beginning of a sentence.

Examples

1. ところで明日の会議は何時からですか。 By the way, what time does tomorrow's meeting start?
2. 映画の話はおもしろいね。ところで週末は何する予定？ The movie talk is interesting. By the way, what are your plans for the weekend?
3. ところでさっき言っていた本はもう読んだ？ By the way, have you read that book you mentioned earlier?

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, daily life, casual talk

Tone: casual

Origin & History

From 所 (tokoro, place/situation) and the particle で (at/by). Originally 'at that place/point,' it evolved to mean 'at this juncture' and then to its modern usage as a topic-changing conjunction.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal