Japanese Topic Changes That Smooth Over Discomfort: Using ところで, それはそうと, and 話は変わりますが
Learn intermediate Japanese phrases to change the topic when a conversation feels awkward, including ところで, それはそうと, and 話は変わりますが, with polite and casual usage.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Changing the topic in Japanese is not just about introducing a new subject; it can also be a polite way to ease discomfort. This lesson teaches you phrases like ところで, それはそうと, and 話は変わりますが, which differ in formality and in how directly they acknowledge awkwardness. You will learn when to use each, how to pronounce them, and how to respond naturally. By the end, you will be able to steer a conversation away from an uncomfortable topic without seeming rude.
By the end, you can…
- use ところで, それはそうと, and 話は変わりますが to change the topic in Japanese.
- choose the appropriate phrase based on formality and the level of discomfort.
- recognize and respond to a topic change initiated by someone else.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
ところで
By the way
tokorode
Neutral and versatile; used to introduce a new topic without implying the previous one was uncomfortable. Safe in both casual and polite conversation.
それはそうと
Anyway, on a different note
sore wa sō to
Casual to neutral; acknowledges the previous topic but shifts away. Often used when the previous topic is heavy or awkward.
話は変わりますが
Changing the subject, but
hanashi wa kawarimasu ga
Polite and explicit; clearly signals a topic change. Useful in formal settings or when you want to be direct about shifting away from discomfort.
ちょっと別の話なんですけど
This is a bit of a different topic, but
chotto betsu no hanashi nan desu kedo
Polite and indirect; softens the topic change and can imply that the current topic is sensitive.
あ、そういえば
Oh, that reminds me
a, sō ieba
Casual; used to pivot naturally as if a new thought just occurred. Can ease discomfort by making the change seem spontaneous.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To change the topic, you can use a standalone phrase like ところで or それはそうと at the beginning of a sentence. For example, ところで、週末は何か予定がある？ (By the way, do you have any plans this weekend?) or それはそうと、新しいプロジェクトはどう？ (Anyway, how's the new project?). For a more formal tone, use 話は変わりますが、来週の会議の件ですが… (Changing the subject, but about next week's meeting…). These phrases act as discourse markers and are followed by a pause or a comma in writing.
When to use it
Use ところで when you simply want to introduce a new topic without any implication of discomfort. Use それはそうと when the previous topic feels heavy or awkward and you want to lighten the mood; it is common among friends and colleagues. Use 話は変わりますが in formal situations or when you want to explicitly acknowledge that you are changing the subject, often to avoid further discomfort. For example, if a colleague is complaining about a personal issue, you might say それはそうと、明日のプレゼンの準備は大丈夫？ to gently shift to work. Avoid using それはそうと in very formal contexts; prefer 話は変わりますが there.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
最近、仕事が忙しくて大変なんだよね。
Lately, work has been really busy and tough.saikin, shigoto ga isogashikute taihen nan da yo neそれはそうと、週末の旅行はどうする？
Anyway, what are we doing about the weekend trip?sore wa sō to, shūmatsu no ryokō wa dō suru?あ、そういえば、まだ決めてなかったね。
Oh, that reminds me, we haven't decided yet.a, sō ieba, mada kimetenakatta ne話は変わりますが、来週の会議の資料も準備しないとね。
Changing the subject, but we also need to prepare for next week's meeting materials.hanashi wa kawarimasu ga, raishū no kaigi no shiryō mo junbi shinai to neA little context goes a long way
In Japanese conversation, indirectness is often valued to maintain group harmony. Changing the topic can be a face-saving strategy. While ところで is neutral, それはそうと can imply that the previous topic is being set aside, so use it with care in hierarchical relationships. In formal settings, 話は変わりますが is safer because it explicitly acknowledges the shift. Also, responding to a topic change with あ、そういえば shows you are following the flow and can help ease any residual tension.
One thing to watch for
Using それはそうと in a very formal business meeting with a superior.
Try this instead: それはそうと is casual and can seem too abrupt in formal contexts. Instead, use 話は変わりますが, as in 話は変わりますが、来期の予算についてお話ししてもよろしいでしょうか。 (Changing the subject, may I speak about next term's budget?) This shows respect and clearly signals the shift.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You are in a casual conversation with a friend who is complaining about their boss. You want to change the topic to your weekend plans. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Show a sample answer
それはそうと、週末は何か予定ある？
それはそうと is casual and acknowledges the previous topic while shifting away, which fits a friendly conversation. ところで is also possible but less explicitly acknowledges the discomfort. 話は変わりますが would be too formal here.
2In a polite conversation with a colleague, you need to change the subject from a sensitive project issue to a new topic. What phrase should you use?
Show a sample answer
話は変わりますが、新しい企画についてですが…
話は変わりますが is polite and explicitly signals a topic change, making it suitable for a colleague in a professional setting. それはそうと might be too casual, and ところで is neutral but doesn't acknowledge the sensitivity.
3Your conversation partner says それはそうと、明日の予定は？ How might you respond to show you are following the topic change?
Show a sample answer
あ、そういえば、明日は友達と会う予定だよ。
Responding with あ、そういえば shows you accept the topic change naturally and smoothly. Other responses like そうだね、明日は… are also fine, but あ、そういえば mirrors the casual pivot.
Use ところで for neutral topic changes, それはそうと to ease discomfort in casual talk, and 話は変わりますが for polite, explicit shifts. Match the phrase to the formality of the situation.
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