〜ところ: about to / in the middle of / just did is a JLPT N3 grammar point. Pinpoints the stage of an action in time. Structure: dict. + ところ ・ ている + ところ ・ た + ところ. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜ところ: about to / in the middle of / just did

Structure

dict. + ところ ・ ている + ところ ・ た + ところ

Explanation

ところ marks where you are in an action: dictionary form + ところ = about to do it; ている + ところ = in the middle of doing it; た + ところ = have just done it.

Examples

I'm in the middle of eating right now.

I'm just about to go out.

Quiz preview

  • ところ ✓
  • つもり
  • はず
  • まま

~ているところだ marks an action in progress right now: “I’m in the middle of eating.”

  • ところ ✓
  • こと
  • もの
  • ため

た-form + ところ = an action that has JUST happened: “I've just arrived at the station”.

More N3 grammar points

〜はず: should / be expected to〜ば〜ほど: the more… the moreCausative: make / let someone do〜のに: although / even though〜ようになる: change of state〜らしい: hearsay / typicalityPassive: to be done to〜ことになる/ことにする: decisions〜おかげで/〜せいで: thanks to / because of〜として: as / in the role of〜うちに: while / before it changes

See all N3 points →