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)

～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ～としたところで (〜to shita tokoro de) is used to express the idea that even if a certain action is taken or situation occurs, it will not have a significant impact on the outcome. It often conveys a sense of futility or resignation, emphasizing that efforts or conditions are insufficient to change the result.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Even if ~
• Assuming that ~
• Even though ~

Structure

Formation

Examples

• Verb: 行く としたところで (Even if [someone] goes)
• Noun: 無理 だとしたところで (Even if it's impossible)
• い-adjective: 高い としたところで (Even if it's expensive)
• な-adjective: 簡単 だとしたところで (Even if it's easy)

Detailed Explanation

The grammar pattern ～としたところで is used to express that even if a certain action is taken or a condition is met, it won't lead to a significant change in the situation. It often implies that efforts are futile or outcomes are inevitable regardless of actions taken.

• Conveys futility or limited impact: Indicates that the action or condition won't change the outcome meaningfully.
• Hypothetical scenario: Often used in hypothetical statements to consider an unlikely or insufficient scenario.
• Emphasizes resignation or skepticism: Shows doubt about the effectiveness of an action.

Nuance

This expression adds a sense of skepticism or pessimism, suggesting that efforts may not be worth it because they won't produce the desired result.

Visual Aids

Formation Diagram:

graph TD
A[Verb (Dictionary Form)] --> B[としたところで]
C[Noun + だ] --> B
D[い-adjective] --> B
E[な-adjective + だ] --> B

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

～ても

• Meaning: Even if ~
• Usage: General expression for "even if", without implying futility.
• Example: 雨が降っても、行きます。
  Even if it rains, I will go.

～たところで

• Meaning: Even after doing ~
• Usage: Focuses on the result after an action, often implying that the outcome is not as expected.
• Example: 努力したところで、結果は同じだ。
  Even after trying hard, the result is the same.

Differences

• ～としたところで emphasizes futility or minimal impact even if a condition is met.
• ～ても is a neutral conditional "even if", without the nuance of futility.
• ～たところで often focuses on the result after an action has been completed, not on hypothetical conditions.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1 (Formal)

彼が参加したとしたところで、大きな変化はないだろう。 かれが さんかした としたところで、おおきな へんかは ないだろう。 "Even if he participates, there probably won't be a significant change."

Example 2 (Informal)

急いだとしたところで、もう間に合わないよ。 いそいだ としたところで、もう まにあわないよ。 "Even if you hurry, you won't make it in time."

Example 3 (Negative Outcome)

今から準備を始めたとしたところで、時間が足りない。 いまから じゅんびを はじめた としたところで、じかんが たりない。 "Even if we start preparing now, there isn't enough time."

Example 4 (Expressing Futility)

謝ったとしたところで、彼女は許してくれないかもしれない。 あやまった としたところで、かのじょは ゆるしてくれない かもしれない。 "Even if you apologize, she might not forgive you."

Example 5 (Hypothetical)

宝くじに当たったとしたところで、幸せになれるとは限らない。 たからくじに あたった としたところで、しあわせに なれるとは かぎらない。 "Even if you win the lottery, it doesn't guarantee happiness."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing humility and avoiding direct confrontation are valued. Using phrases like ～としたところで allows speakers to express skepticism or doubts indirectly, maintaining politeness while conveying their true thoughts.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Politeness: The structure is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Formality: More commonly used in written language or formal speech to express logical reasoning or hypothetical scenarios.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ～としたところで itself is a grammatical construction, not an idiom, it is often used in idiomatic expressions that reflect common sentiments, such as the futility of actions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 行ってとしたところで、間に合わない。
   • Correct: 行くとしたところで、間に合わない。 Explanation: Use the dictionary form of the verb before としたところで.
2. Confusing with ～ても
   • Incorrect: 彼が来ても、変わらない。
   • Correct (if expressing futility): 彼が来たとしたところで、変わらない。 Explanation: Use ～としたところで to emphasize that even if the condition is met, it won't make a difference.

Learning Strategies

• Associate with Futility: Remember that ～としたところで often implies that something won't help or isn't sufficient.
• Practice with Negative Outcomes: Create example sentences where the outcome remains negative despite the condition being met.
• Compare with ～ても: Understand the subtle differences by comparing sentences using both grammar points.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～としたところで is used to express that even if a condition is met, it won't significantly affect the outcome.
• It carries a nuance of futility or resignation.
• Formed by adding としたところで to the dictionary form of verbs, nouns + だ, and adjectives.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: どんなに説明した________、彼は理解しないだろう。 Answer: としたところで
2. True or False: ～としたところで can be used to express positive outcomes. Answer: False
3. **Choose the sentence that correctly uses ～としたところで: a) 今から寝たとしたところで、十分な睡眠は取れない。
   b) 今から寝て、十分な睡眠は取れる。
   c) 今から寝たところで、十分な睡眠は取れる。 Answer: a) 今から寝たとしたところで、十分な睡眠は取れない。

Congratulations! You've learned how to use ～としたところで to express situations where an action won't significantly impact the outcome. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences reflecting this nuance.