Processing keyword: ～たところ (〜ta tokoro)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～たところ (〜ta tokoro)

～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

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

1. What verb form is used before ところ in this grammar pattern?
   • Answer: The た-form (past tense) of the verb.
2. Does ～たところ express hypothetical conditions or actual results?
   • Answer: Actual results that occurred immediately after an action.
3. 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。*

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.