about to ~, just ~, in the middle of ~

Intermediate

25-30 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Describes timing of actions (before/during/after).

[Verb dictionary form/ている/た] + ところ

今、出かけるところです。

Ima, dekakeru tokoro desu.

I am just about to go out now.

今、食べているところです。

Ima, tabete iru tokoro desu.

I am in the middle of eating now.

今、帰ってきたところです。

Ima, kaette kita tokoro desu.

I just came home now.

Three patterns: dictionary form (about to), ている (in progress), た (just finished).

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Master all three timing patterns.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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