接続・逆接N2
〜たところが
contrary to expectation... / but to one's surprise...
Structure
V-た形 + ところが
Explanation
Indicates that after doing the first action, the result was contrary to expectation; the main clause is often an unexpected fact. Compared with たところ, it stresses surprise and contrast.
Examples
一生懸命勉強したところが、試験に落ちてしまった。
I studied very hard, but to my disappointment, I failed the exam.
新しい薬を飲んでみたところが、何の変化もなかった。
I tried the new medicine, but nothing changed.
Note
Unlike たところ, たところが stresses a result contrary to expectation. In speech the two are often interchangeable, but writing distinguishes them.