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

Intermediate

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates timing of action. Meaning depends on verb form.

[Dictionary] + ところだ (about to), [た-form] + ところだ (just did), [ている] + ところだ (in middle)

今から出かけるところです。

Ima kara dekakeru tokoro desu.

I'm just about to go out.

今帰ったところです。

Ima kaetta tokoro desu.

I just came home now.

今食べているところです。

Ima tabete iru tokoro desu.

I'm in the middle of eating now.

Three different meanings based on verb form.

～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 ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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