Processing keyword: ～たところ (〜ta tokoro)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～たところ (〜ta tokoro)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～たところ (〜ta tokoro). This expression is used to indicate that upon completing an action, a certain result or unexpected situation occurred. Mastering this grammar point will help you describe sequences of events and their outcomes in Japanese more naturally.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～たところ is used to express that when someone did something, a particular result happened immediately afterward. It often conveys a sense of discovery or an unexpected outcome following the action.
Structure
Verb (た-form) + ところ
- Verb (Past Tense) + ところ: Indicates that after completing the action, a specific result occurred.
Formation Diagram
| Verb Dictionary Form | Verb た-form | + ところ | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 見る (to see) | 見た | 見たところ | When I looked... |
| 行く (to go) | 行った | 行ったところ | When I went... |
| 食べる (to eat) | 食べた | 食べたところ | When I ate... |
| 読む (to read) | 読んだ | 読んだところ | When I read... |
| 聞く (to listen) | 聞いた | 聞いたところ | When I listened... |
Detailed Explanation
- Verb (た-form): Use the past tense form of the verb, indicating the action has been completed.
- ところ: Means "just when" or "upon," emphasizing the moment immediately after the action. Usage:
- Use ～たところ to describe that after doing A, B happened.
- Often implies that B was discovered or realized as a result of A.
- Commonly used to share results or findings after an action.
3. Comparative Analysis
～たら (Conditional "if/when")
- Structure: Verb (た-form) + ら
- Usage: Indicates a condition; "if" or "when" something happens.
- Example: 雨が降ったら、出かけません。
If it rains, I won't go out. Difference: - ～たら can express hypothetical situations or conditions, while ～たところ discusses an actual event that has occurred with a specific outcome.
～てから (After doing)
- Structure: Verb (て-form) + から
- Usage: Indicates that one action happens after another.
- Example: 食べてから、出かけます。
After eating, I will go out. Difference: - ～てから focuses on the sequence of actions, whereas ～たところ emphasizes the immediate result or discovery after an action.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Informal Speech
Sentence: ドアを開けたところ、猫が入ってきた。 Reading: ドアを あけたところ、ねこが はいってきた。 Translation: When I opened the door, a cat came in.
Example 2: Formal Speech
Sentence: 申込書を送ったところ、すぐに返信をいただきました。 Reading: もうしこみしょを おくったところ、すぐに へんしんを いただきました。 Translation: When I sent the application form, I received a reply immediately.
Example 3: Past Experience
Sentence: 新しいケーキを作ってみたところ、家族に大好評だった。 Reading: あたらしい ケーキを つくってみたところ、かぞくに だいこうひょうだった。 Translation: When I tried making a new cake, it was a big hit with my family.
Example 4: Unexpected Outcome
Sentence: 高い山に登ったところ、雪が降り始めた。 Reading: たかい やまに のぼったところ、ゆきが ふりはじめた。 Translation: When I climbed the high mountain, it started to snow.
Example 5: Discovery
Sentence: 古い箱を開けたところ、昔の写真が見つかった。 Reading: ふるい はこを あけたところ、むかしの しゃしんが みつかった。 Translation: When I opened the old box, I found some old photographs.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- ～たところ is neutral and versatile, suitable for both spoken and written language.
- Can be used in casual conversations and formal settings, adjusting the surrounding language to match the desired level of politeness.
Idiomatic Expressions
While ～たところ itself is a grammatical construction, it's often found in idiomatic phrases and expressions that convey a sense of discovery or unexpected results, reflecting the Japanese cultural appreciation for subtle revelations.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Form
- Error: Using the dictionary form or て-form of the verb instead of the た-form before ところ.
- 誤り: 行くところ
- 正しい: 行ったところ Tip: Always use the た-form (past tense) of the verb before ところ when using this grammar point.
Mistake 2: Confusing with ～てから
- Error: Mixing up ～たところ with ～てから when indicating sequence.
- 誤り: 朝ごはんを食べたところ、学校へ行きます。
- 正しい: 朝ごはんを食べてから、学校へ行きます。 Tip: Remember that ～たところ emphasizes the immediate result or discovery after an action, not just the sequence.
Learning Strategies
- Association: Think of ～たところ as "Just when I did..." leading to an immediate outcome.
- Practice: Create sentences using ～たところ to describe surprising or unexpected results after an action.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～たところ is used to express that upon completing an action, a specific result occurred.
- Structure: Verb (た-form) + ところ
- Emphasizes immediate results or discoveries following an action.
- Different from conditional ～たら and sequential ～てから.
Quick Recap Quiz
- What verb form is used before ところ in this grammar pattern?
- Answer: The た-form (past tense) of the verb.
- Does ～たところ express hypothetical conditions or actual results?
- Answer: Actual results that occurred immediately after an action.
- Fill in the blank with the correct verb form:
- 映画を（ ）ところ、友達に会いました。
When I (watched) the movie, I met a friend. - Answer: 見た
映画を*見たところ、友達に会いました。*
- 映画を（ ）ところ、友達に会いました。
Congratulations! You've learned how to use ～たところ to describe immediate results or discoveries after completing an action. Keep practicing by making your own sentences to reinforce your understanding.