としたが | Grammar

Structure

[v5 volitional (〜おう)] + としたが [v1 volitional (〜よう)] + としたが [する → しよう] + としたが [来る → 来よう（こよう）] + としたが

Note: が may be replaced by けど/けれど(も) for a softer tone.

Description

The structure としたが is used to express that someone tried to do something but couldn't, or was about to do something but something happened to prevent it. It conveys the idea that an action was attempted or on the verge of happening, but the expected outcome did not occur.

It is formed by attaching とする (which means "to try to" or "to be about to") in its past form とした to a verb's volitional form, followed by が ("but") to introduce the contrasting result.

Attempted action that failed

This is the most common usage – someone tried to do something but was unable to or was interrupted.

、。

I tried to open the door, but it was locked.

、。

I tried to explain, but the words wouldn't come out.

About to do something but interrupted

としたが can also describe a situation where someone was just about to do something when something else happened, preventing it.

、。

I was about to leave the house, but the phone rang.

、。

I was about to go to sleep, but the room next door was noisy.

Variations

The conjunction が can be replaced with other contrast markers like けど (casual) or けれども (more formal) without changing the core meaning:

、。

I tried to escape, but I was caught.

When the sentence ends without a second clause, としたが can trail off to imply the result:

きごう…。

I tried to help, but… (implying failure).

Examples

、。

I tried to open the door, but it was locked.

、。

I was about to leave the house, but it suddenly started raining.

、。

I tried to call him, but I forgot his number.

、。

I tried to go to sleep, but it was too noisy outside and I couldn't sleep.

、。

I tried to answer the question, but I couldn't remember anything.

、。

I was about to get on the train, but the doors closed right in front of me.

、。

I tried to cook, but I didn't have enough ingredients.

、。

I tried to catch the cat, but it got away.

、。

I was going to apologize, but she had already left.

、。

I tried to download a new app, but I didn't have enough storage.

、。

I tried to talk to them, but I couldn't muster the courage.

、。

I tried to wake up early, but I turned off the alarm and fell back asleep.

References

verb-volitional-としたがBunpro