Processing keyword: ～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de)

Introduction

The grammar point ～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de) is used to express the idea of "even if" or "even when" in a contextual sense. This form is often used to convey that regardless of an effort or intention, the outcome remains unchanged or is not as significant as expected.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • The structure consists of the verb in its dictionary form or a noun in the form of "とした" (to shita) + "ところで" (tokoro de).
  • Format:
    • Verb: Verb (dictionary form) + としたところで
    • Noun: Noun + としたところで
• Meaning:
  • This grammar point suggests that even if a certain action is taken or a situation is considered, it does not change the outcome or common understanding of the matter.

Formation Diagram

[Action/Intention] + としたところで
      ↓
  [Implied Result or Outcome]

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～としても (to shite mo)
  • Meaning: "even if" or "even when."
  • Difference: While both convey a similar meaning, ～としたところで focuses more on an action or intention that does not significantly influence the outcome. In contrast, ～としても can refer to a wider range of conditions and possibilities.
• ～たところで (ta tokoro de)
  • Meaning: "even at that point."
  • Difference: This form emphasizes an action taken in the past and its insignificance to the present situation, unlike the future implication of ～としたところで.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 成功するとしたところで、状況は依然として変わらないだろう。
   • Seikou suru to shita tokoro de, joukyou wa izen to shite kawaranai darou.
   • "Even if we succeed, the situation will likely remain unchanged."
2. Informal:
   • 頑張ったとしたところで、間に合わないよ。
   • Ganbatta to shita tokoro de, maniawanai yo.
   • "Even if you try hard, you won't make it on time."
3. Written Context:
   • 問題を解決するとしたところで、別の問題が発生する可能性がある。
   • Mondai o kaiketsu suru to shita tokoro de, betsu no mondai ga hassei suru kanousei ga aru.
   • "Even if we solve this issue, there is a possibility that another problem will arise."
4. Spoken Context:
   • たとえ言ったとしたところで、彼は信じないよ。
   • Tatoe itta to shita tokoro de, kare wa shinjinai yo.
   • "Even if I say it, he won't believe it."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The usage of this grammar point aligns with Japanese communication styles, which often emphasize humility and indirectness. It reflects an understanding that outcomes may not always depend solely on one’s efforts or intentions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 有名な学者になったところで、特に生活は楽にならない。
  • Yuumei na gakusha ni natta tokoro de, tokuni seikatsu wa raku ni naranai.
  • "Even if you become a famous scholar, life doesn’t especially become easier."

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting "とした": Many learners may mistakenly drop "とした" and use just "ところで," which changes the meaning.
• Confusion with Verb Forms: Some learners might use plain forms instead of dictionary forms, leading to incorrect sentences.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "としたところで" signifies a viewpoint of insufficiency regarding an effort. Visualize it as a gate that remains closed, no matter how hard you push (symbolizing that the effort is futile).

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～としたところで is used to express situations where the outcome remains unchanged regardless of efforts or actions taken.
• It is often compared with similar constructs like ～としても and ～たところで.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～としたところで express?
2. How is this grammar point different from ～としても?
3. Give an example using this grammar point in a sentence. By understanding and applying this grammar point, learners will become more adept at expressing nuanced ideas about effort and result in Japanese conversations.