それはそうと

それはそうと
expression, conjunction
by the way; that aside; changing the subject
expression
1. by the way; that aside; on a different note
A conversational connector used to deliberately set the current topic aside and move on to an unrelated one. Literally 'that being so, …' — acknowledges the previous topic before changing it.
それはそうと、元気(げんき)にしてる?
By the way, how have you been?
それはそうと、今度(こんど)食事(しょくじ)でも行(い)かない?
On a different note, want to go out for a meal sometime?
それはそうと、さっきの話(はなし)に戻(もど)っていい?
Changing the subject for a moment — can we go back to what we were saying earlier?

Literally 'as for that, that's that, but …' — それ (that) + は (topic) + そうと (so/that being so). Signals a polite but clear shift away from the previous topic.

Common patterns

  • Sentence-initial, followed by a comma.
  • Implies acknowledgement that the prior topic has been heard but is being set aside.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • ところで: by the way (most common, neutral topic change)
  • そういえば: come to think of it (reminded by the prior topic, less of a shift)
  • ちなみに: incidentally (adds related info without changing topic)

Related Words

Compare: ところで (by the way)
Compare: そういえば (come to think of it)
Compare: ちなみに (incidentally)
general
Added 2026.5.14 12:14 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
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