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Even if (negative outcome)
Definition
The grammar pattern "動（タ形）＋ところで" is used to express that even if an action is taken, the result will be useless, ineffective, or unchanged. It implies a negative outcome and is often followed by a judgment or expression indicating a lack of meaning or effect. This pattern is commonly used in situations where the speaker feels that their efforts will not lead to a positive outcome or that the situation is hopeless. It is essential to note that this pattern is not used to express a general "even if" situation, but rather a specific situation where the outcome is futile or ineffective.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form (て形) | 動詞（テ形）＋ところで | 食べる（テ形）＋ところで |
| Ta-form (た形) | 動詞（タ形）＋ところで | 食べた（タ形）＋ところで |
| Nai-form (ない形) | 動詞（ない形）＋ところで | 食べない（ない形）＋ところで |
Examples
今さら後悔し______、失った時間は二度と戻ってこない。
Imasara ato omoi shi______、usinatta jikan wa nido to modotte kona.
Even if I regret now, the lost time will never come back.
今さら後悔し (I regret now), 失った時間は (the lost time is), 二度と (never), 戻ってこない (will not come back)
いくら弁解し______、一度失った信頼を取り戻すのは難しい。
Ikura benkai shi______、hitotsu ushinatta shinrai o tori modasu no wa muzukashii.
Even if I explain a lot, it's difficult to regain the trust that was lost once.
いくら弁解し (I explain a lot), 一度 (once), 失った信頼 (lost trust), 取り戻す (regain)
その場しのぎの嘘をつい______、すぐにバレてしまうだろう。
Sono ba shingo no uso o tsui______、suguni barete shimau darou.
Even if I tell a lie as a temporary fix, it will be discovered soon.
その場しのぎの (temporary fix), 嘘をつい (tell a lie),すぐに (soon), バレてしまう (will be discovered)
Context
This pattern is used to express a negative outcome or futility. It is often used in situations where the speaker feels that their efforts will not lead to a positive outcome. The pattern is typically used in formal or polite language. It can be compared to the pattern ～ても, which is a general "even if" situation, but ～たところで implies futility.
Watch out
This pattern is used to express a negative outcome, so it's essential to use a negative judgment or expression in the second clause.
～たところで is used to express a specific situation where the outcome is futile or ineffective, while ～ても is a general "even if" situation.
This pattern is used to express a negative outcome, so it's essential to use a negative or hopeless tone.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often tested in the reading comprehension section. It's essential to recognize the pattern and understand the context in which it's used. Pay attention to the negative outcome or futility implied by the pattern.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動（タ形）＋ところで used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
今さら後悔したところで、失った時間は二度と戻ってこない。
Pattern used: たところで
～たところで emphasizes the futility: even if you regret it now, nothing changes.
いくら弁解したところで、一度失った信頼を取り戻すのは難しい。
Pattern used: たところで
Used with 'ikura' (no matter how much), it reinforces that the action of 'explaining' is useless.
その場しのぎの嘘をついたところで、すぐにバレてしまうだろう。
Pattern used: たところで
～たところで suggests that the temporary lie won't prevent the inevitable exposure.
Interactive
今さら後悔し______、失った時間は二度と戻ってこない。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.