ところで (tokorode)
Explanation
Used for changing the topic or bringing up a new topic; 'by the way', 'speaking of'.
Formation
ところで + new topic or question
Detailed Explanation
The ところで (tokorode) grammar point is used to change the topic of conversation or introduce a new topic. It can be translated as 'by the way' or 'speaking of' in English. It is often used when the speaker wants to ask a question or share some information on a different subject. It can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
Examples
ところで、昨日の宿題はもう終わりましたか？
Tokorode, kinou no shukudai wa mou owari mashita ka?
By the way, did you finish yesterday's homework?
彼はプールで泳いでいます。ところで、お昼ご飯は何にしますか？
Kare wa puuru de oyoide imasu. Tokorode, ohiru gohan wa nani ni shimasu ka?
He is swimming in the pool. By the way, what do you want for lunch?
昨日は楽しかったですね。ところで、この写真を見ましたか？
Kinou wa tanoshikatta desu ne. Tokorode, kono shashin wo mimashita ka?
Yesterday was fun, wasn't it? By the way, did you see this photo?
ところで、明日の会議の時間を知っていますか？
Tokorode, ashita no kaigi no jikan wo shitte imasu ka?
By the way, do you know the time of tomorrow's meeting?
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.