Translation guide
How to shift the conversation to a different topic in Japanese, from casual to formal situations.
The speaker wants to move the conversation away from the current topic to a new one, often abruptly or to avoid an uncomfortable subject.
A very common, casual way to say 'changing the subject' or 'speaking of which'. Used among friends and in informal settings.
話は変わるけど、週末何する？
Changing the subject, what are you doing this weekend?
「ところで」 is a neutral 'by the way' that can be used in almost any situation. 「話は変わるけど」 is more casual and explicitly signals a topic shift, often used when the new topic is unrelated. In formal settings, 「話を変えますが」 or 「それはさておき」 are safer choices.
Directly translating 'to change the subject' as 「主題を変える」 sounds unnatural in conversation. Use the phrases above instead.
とにかく、話を変えましょう。
Anyway, let's change the subject.
彼は突然話を変えた。
He suddenly changed the subject.
A standard, neutral way to change the subject. Equivalent to 'by the way'. Suitable for both casual and polite conversation.
ところで、明日の会議は何時ですか。
By the way, what time is tomorrow's meeting?
A more direct and slightly formal way to announce that you are changing the subject. Often used in business or polite conversation.
話を変えますが、プロジェクトの進捗はいかがですか。
Changing the subject, how is the project progressing?
Literally 'putting that aside', used to set aside the current topic and move on. Slightly formal, often used in meetings or presentations.
それはさておき、本題に入りましょう。
Putting that aside, let's get to the main topic.
Literally 'to divert the conversation'. Implies intentionally changing the subject to avoid something. Can have a negative nuance of evading a topic.
彼は都合が悪くなるとすぐに話をそらす。
He quickly changes the subject whenever it gets awkward.