Search pages and navigate
Even if (negative judgment)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-ta + ところで' is used to express a negative judgment or a sense of futility, implying that even if a certain action is taken or a condition is met, it will be useless or the result will not be what is desired. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of inevitability or a lack of hope. For example, '今から走ったところで、電車にはもう間に合わないだろう' means 'Even if I run now, I won't be able to catch the train.'
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ta form of the verb | V-ta ところで | 走ったところで |
| Ta form of the verb in the negative | V-ta ないところで | 走ったないところで |
| Ta form of the verb in the potential | V-te iru/eru ところで | 走っているところで |
Examples
今から走ったところで、電車にはもう間に合わないだろう。
Ima kara hashitta tokoro de, densha ni wa mō ni tsukau nai darō.
Even if I run now, I won't be able to catch the train.
今から走った (ran now) ところで (even if) 電車にはもう間に合わないだろう (won't be able to catch the train)
いくら謝ったところで、彼女は決して許してくれないだろう。
Ikura arigatatta tokoro de, kanojo wa sute ni yorokoshite kurenai darō.
Even if I apologize a lot, she won't forgive me.
いくら謝った (apologized a lot) ところで (even if) 彼女は決して許してくれないだろう (won't forgive me)
どんなに説明したところで、彼には理解してもらえないと思う。
Donna ni setsumei shita tokoro de, kare ni wa rikai shite moraenai to omoimasu.
Even if I explain it thoroughly, I think he won't understand.
どんなに説明した (explained thoroughly) ところで (even if) 彼には理解してもらえないと思う (won't understand)
Context
This pattern is used to express a negative judgment or a sense of futility. It is often used in situations where the speaker feels that their efforts will be useless or that the result will not be what they desire. The pattern can be used in formal or informal situations, but it is more commonly used in formal situations.
Watch out
While 'temo' can be used to indicate a sense of possibility or a contrast, it is not typically used to express a negative judgment or a sense of futility. 'ところで' is a more formal and specific pattern for expressing this idea.
'tokoro da' is used to indicate that an action is about to be taken or has just been completed, whereas 'ところで' is used to express a negative judgment or a sense of futility.
The 'ta' form of the verb is used to indicate a past action, whereas the dictionary form is used to indicate a general or present action. Using the dictionary form instead of the 'ta' form can change the meaning of the sentence.
Strategy
When using this pattern on the JLPT exam, be sure to use the correct form of the verb and to indicate a negative judgment or a sense of futility. Pay attention to the context of the sentence and use the pattern that best fits the situation.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ta + ところで used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
今から走ったところで、電車にはもう間に合わないだろう。
Pattern used: ところで
'たところで' expresses that the action (running) will be futile in changing the outcome.
いくら謝ったところで、彼女は決して許してくれないだろう。
Pattern used: ところで
It emphasizes a pessimistic outlook where the effort (apologizing) doesn't help.
どんなに説明したところで、彼には理解してもらえないと思う。
Pattern used: ところで
The 'ta form + ところで' specifically points to a lack of result after an attempt.
Interactive
今から走った______、電車にはもう間に合わないだろう。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.