Explanation
Expresses a contrast or unexpected outcome; 'however', 'but', 'even though'.
Formation
Phrase 1 (expected situation) + ところが + Phrase 2 (unexpected result)
Detailed explanation
The ～ところが grammar point is used to express a contrast or an unexpected outcome. It can be translated as 'however', 'but', or 'even though' in English. It emphasizes a situation that contradicts what was expected.
Examples
Kare wa itsumo chikoku suru tokoro ga, kyou wa hayaku kimashita.
He's always late, but today he arrived early.
Kinou wa atsukatta tokoro ga, kyou wa samuku narimashita.
Yesterday was hot, but today it got cold.
Shiai de makeru to omotta tokoro ga, igai ni mo kachimashita.
I thought we would lose the match, but surprisingly we won.
Kesshousen de yuushou suru tokoro ga, saigo no pointo de makemashita.
We were about to win the final, but we lost at the last point.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.