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    ところで、話は変わるけど (tokorode, hanashi wa kawaru kedo - by the way, changing the subject)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral to slightly casual

    How it works

    This phrase literally translates to 'at this point, the topic changes, but...'. It is used to smoothly transition from one topic of conversation to an unrelated one, often when the speaker remembers something else they want to discuss. The 'けど' (kedo) at the end softens the transition, implying a slight hesitation or politeness.

    Sample sentences

    昨日ね、映画を見たんだ。ところで、話は変わるけど、来週の会議って何時からだっけ？

    Yesterday, I watched a movie. By the way, changing the subject, what time is next week's meeting?

    このプロジェクト、なかなか進まないね。ところで、話は変わるけど、君の週末の予定は？

    This project isn't progressing much, is it? By the way, changing the subject, what are your plans for the weekend?

    今日のランチ、美味しかったね。ところで、話は変わるけど、Aさんの結婚式の招待状、もう届いた？

    Today's lunch was delicious, wasn't it? By the way, changing the subject, have you received the invitation for Mr./Ms. A's wedding yet?

    Quick facts

    nuance:The phrase indicates a clear break from the previous discussion. While 'ところで' alone can introduce a new topic, adding '話は変わるけど' explicitly states the intent to shift, making the transition very clear to the listener. It's often used when you're about to introduce something seemingly out of the blue.
    alternative_ending:Sometimes the 'けど' can be omitted for a more direct transition, or replaced with 'が' (ga) for slightly more formality.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    昨日ね、映画を見たんだ。ところで、話は変わるけど、来週の会議って何時からだっけ？

    Yesterday, I watched a movie. By the way, changing the subject, what time is next week's meeting?

    このプロジェクト、なかなか進まないね。ところで、話は変わるけど、君の週末の予定は？

    This project isn't progressing much, is it? By the way, changing the subject, what are your plans for the weekend?

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