Processing keyword: ～ところを (〜tokoro wo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ところを (〜tokoro wo)

～ところを (〜tokoro wo)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ところを (〜tokoro wo) is a useful expression in Japanese that is often used to acknowledge someone's situation or state when making a request, giving an apology, or expressing gratitude. It roughly translates to "despite," "even though," or "while" in English, and it adds a level of politeness and consideration to your speech.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ところを (〜tokoro wo) is used to indicate that an action occurs despite a certain situation, often acknowledging that you are imposing on someone.
• It expresses appreciation, apology, or acknowledgment of inconvenience caused to someone.

Structure

The structure varies slightly depending on the type of word it attaches to:

Formation Diagram

[Clause/Situation] + ところを + [Action/Request/Apology]

Detailed Explanation

• ところ (tokoro) means "place," "point," or "moment."
• By using ～ところを, you highlight the specific situation someone is in.
• を is the object marker particle, connecting the situation to the subsequent action.
• This expression shows consideration for the other person's circumstances.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ～のに (〜noni)

• ～のに also means "even though" or "despite," but it often expresses regret or criticism.
• ～ところを is more polite and is used to show deference or apologize for an inconvenience.

  Grammar Point	Usage	Politeness Level
  ～ところを	Acknowledging someone's situation politely	Polite
  ～のに	Expressing contradiction or regret	Neutral

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. お忙しいところをすみません。
   • Oisogashii tokoro wo sumimasen.
   • "I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy."
2. お休みのところをお邪魔しました。
   • Oyasumi no tokoro wo ojamashimashita.
   • "I'm sorry to have intruded during your break."
3. ご多忙のところをわざわざお越しいただきありがとうございます。
   • Gotabō no tokoro wo wazawaza okoshi itadaki arigatō gozaimasu.
   • "Thank you for taking the trouble to come despite your busy schedule."
4. お急ぎのところを申し訳ありませんが、少しお時間をいただけませんか。
   • Oisogi no tokoro wo mōshiwake arimasen ga, sukoshi ojikan wo itadakemasen ka.
   • "I'm sorry to bother you when you're in a hurry, but could I have a moment of your time?"
5. 遅い時間のところをお電話してしまい、失礼しました。
   • Osoi jikan no tokoro wo odenwa shite shimai, shitsurei shimashita.
   • "I'm sorry for calling you at such a late hour."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Using ～ところを reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on politeness and respect for others' time and circumstances.
• It is a way to show humility and acknowledge that you may be causing inconvenience.

Levels of Politeness

• Commonly used in formal and business contexts.
• Enhances the politeness level of your speech.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 恐れ入りますがお忙しいところをお願いいたします。
  • Osoreirimasu ga oisogashii tokoro wo onegai itashimasu.
  • "I'm sorry, but I must ask for your help even though you're busy."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Omitting the particle を
   • Incorrect: Oisogashii tokoro sumimasen.
   • Correct: Oisogashii tokoro*を sumimasen.*
2. Using with inappropriate situations
   • ～ところを should be used when acknowledging the other's situation, not your own.

Tips

• Remember the particle を: It's essential for correct grammar.
• Use appropriate verbs: Often used with verbs like すみません (sumimasen), ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu), or お願いします (onegai shimasu).
• Mind the context: Use it to show respect and consideration.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ところを is used to acknowledge someone's situation politely.
• It adds a layer of politeness and respect to your requests or apologies.
• Remember to use the correct form depending on the preceding word type.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I'm sorry to bother you when you're in a hurry" using ～ところを?
   • Answer: お急ぎのところをすみません。
2. Which particle is essential in the ～ところを construction?
   • Answer: The particle を.
3. Is ～ところを more polite than ～のに?
   • Answer: Yes, ～ところを is more polite and used to show deference.

Feel free to review the examples and explanations above to solidify your understanding of ～ところを. Using this grammar point appropriately will enhance your politeness in Japanese communication.