about to, just now, in the middle of

Intermediate

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates timing relative to an action.

[Verb form] + ところだ

今から出かけるところだ。

Ima kara dekakeru tokoro da.

I am 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、終わったところだ。

Ima, owatta tokoro da.

I just finished now.

Verb form changes the timing meaning.

～ところに/ところへ

just when, at that moment

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Dictionary form = about to, ている = middle of, た = just did.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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