In Japanese grammar, “〜たところで” (ta tokorode) is a phrase that means “even if an action or a state were realized” or often (to put it even more simply) just “even if”. It suggests that even if the action were to occur, the result would not change.
Here’s how to use “〜たところで” in a sentence:
- Take the verb you want to use, and change it to its past tense ta-form.
- Add “ところで” (tokorode).
Note: It’s used with the past informal form of verbs. The past tense here serves as a counterfactual marker, not to indicate past time. It implies that the action or state in the clause has not occurred yet but is being supposed as if it has.
Note also that the second half of the sentence it’s used in is almost always negative.
Here’s a few examples of 〜たところで in action:
- このプレゼンを準備したところで、クライアントが納得するとは限らない。(kono purezen o junbi shita tokoro de, kuraianto ga nokku suru to wa kagiranai). Even if we prepare this presentation, it doesn’t guarantee that the client will be satisfied.
- どんなに速く走ったところで、彼には追いつけない。(donan ni soku ni hashitta tokoro de, karino ni oitsukenai). No matter how fast you run, you won’t be able to catch up with him.
- 彼に謝ったところで、もう関係は修復できないだろう。(karino shitsute tokoro de, mō kankei wa shūfuku dekinaidarou). Even if you apologize to him, the relationship probably can’t be repaired anymore.
- この試験に合格したところで、希望の会社に入れるとは限らない。(kono shiken ni gōkaku shita tokoro de, kibō no kaisha ni haiteru to wa kagiranai). Even if you pass this exam, it doesn’t mean you’ll get into the company you want.
- どんなにお金を貯めたところで、彼の浪費癖は治らないだろう。(donan ni okane o tatmeta tokoro de, karino rōhi kei wa osoranai darou). No matter how much money you save, his habit of wasting money won’t change.
- 毎日勉強したところで、興味がなければ上達しない。(mainichi benkyō shita tokoro de, kyōmi ga nakereba uechū shinai). Even if you study every day, if you’re not interested, you won’t improve.
Any questions?
