just when, at that moment

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates something happening at a specific timing.

[Verb ている/た/dictionary form] + ところに/へ

出かけようとしたところに、電話がかかってきた。

Dekakeyou to shita tokoro ni, denwa ga kakatte kita.

Just when I was about to leave, the phone rang.

困っているところへ、友達が助けに来てくれた。

Komatte iru tokoro e, tomodachi ga tasuke ni kite kureta.

Just when I was in trouble, my friend came to help.

Often used for unexpected events.

～ところだ

about to, just now, in the middle of

～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 ~

Usually indicates interruption or coincidence.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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