Processing keyword: ～ところ (〜tokoro)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ところ (〜tokoro)

～ところ (〜tokoro)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point ～ところ (〜tokoro) is a versatile expression that can indicate a specific point in time relative to an action. It translates roughly to "about to," "in the middle of," or "just finished" an action, depending on the verb form used. Understanding ～ところ is essential for conveying precise timing and is commonly used in everyday Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ところ expresses the temporal aspect of an action:
  • About to do something
  • In the midst of doing something
  • Just finished doing something

Structure

The structure of ～ところ varies depending on the verb form:

Formation Diagram

graph LR
A[Verb Dictionary Form] --> B[+ ところ (About to do)]
C[Verb ている Form] --> D[+ ところ (In the middle of doing)]
E[Verb た Form] --> F[+ ところ (Just finished doing)]

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～ばかり:
  • Verb たばかり indicates an action that just happened, similar to Verb たところ.
  • Difference: ～たところ emphasizes the immediate completion, while ～たばかり can indicate a slightly earlier action.
• ～中（ちゅう）:
  • Verb ているところ vs. ～中: Both express an action in progress.
  • Difference: ～中 is used with nouns, whereas ているところ is used with verbs.

4. Examples in Context

About to Do Something (Verb Dictionary Form + ところ)

• 映画を見に行くところです。
  • Eiga wo mi ni iku tokoro desu.
  • "I'm about to go watch a movie."
• 今から夕食を作るところだよ。
  • Ima kara yuushoku wo tsukuru tokoro da yo.
  • "I'm about to start making dinner now."

In the Middle of Doing Something (Verb ている + ところ)

• 彼はちょうど電話しているところです。
  • Kare wa choudo denwa shite iru tokoro desu.
  • "He is just in the middle of a phone call."
• 試験の準備をしているところなんだ。
  • Shiken no junbi wo shite iru tokoro nanda.
  • "I'm in the midst of preparing for an exam."

Just Finished Doing Something (Verb た Form + ところ)

• 宿題が終わったところです。
  • Shukudai ga owatta tokoro desu.
  • "I just finished my homework."
• 今帰ってきたところだ。
  • Ima kaette kita tokoro da.
  • "I just got back now."

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

The use of です/ます forms in sentences with ～ところ adjusts the politeness level:

• Casual Speech: Use plain forms like だ or omit the copula.
  • 今出かけるところ。 - "I'm about to go out."
• Formal Speech: Use です/ます forms.
  • 今出かけるところです。 - "I'm about to go out."

Emphasis on Timing

Japanese culture often places importance on punctuality and the timing of actions. Using ～ところ accurately conveys respect for others' time by specifying exactly when an action is happening.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Mixing up Verb Forms: Using the wrong verb form with ～ところ can change the meaning.
   • Incorrect: 食べるところでした。
     • This mixes the present tense with past politeness ending, causing confusion.
2. Using ～ところ with Non-Action Verbs: ～ところ is typically used with action verbs.
   • Incorrect: 好きなところです。
     • "It is the place I like." (This sentence doesn't use ～ところ as a temporal expression.)

Tips

• Memorize Structures: Remember the three key structures with their meanings.
• Practice with Time Expressions: Use words like 今から (from now), ちょうど (just now) to reinforce the timing.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ところ indicates the timing of an action relative to the present moment.
• Verb Dictionary Form + ところ: About to do something.
• Verb ている + ところ: In the middle of doing something.
• Verb た Form + ところ: Just finished doing something.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I am just about to start the meeting"?
   • Answer: 会議を始めるところです。
2. Translate: "She just finished reading the book."
   • Answer: 彼女は本を読んだところです。
3. What is the structure for expressing an action in progress with ～ところ?
   • Answer: Verb ている + ところ

By mastering ～ところ, you can convey precise timing in your conversations, making your Japanese sound more fluent and natural.