Processing keyword: ～ところ (〜tokoro)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～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:
| Verb Form | Meaning | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Present Plain (辞書形) | About to do | Verb Dictionary Form + ところ |
| ている Form | In the middle of doing | Verb ている + ところ |
| Past Plain (た形) | Just finished doing | Verb た Form + ところ |
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
- 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.
- Incorrect: 食べるところでした。
- 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.)
- Incorrect: 好きなところです。
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
- How do you say "I am just about to start the meeting"?
- Answer: 会議を始めるところです。
- Translate: "She just finished reading the book."
- Answer: 彼女は本を読んだところです。
- 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.