JLPT N4
ところ
About to / In the middle of / Just finished
Structure
Verb form ところ
How it works
The grammar point 'tokoro' indicates the specific stage or timing of an action. It is used with different verb forms: the dictionary form (about to do), the ~te iru form (in the middle of doing), and the ta-form (just finished doing).
Examples
これからお風呂に入るところです。
I am just about to take a bath.
今、宿題を書いているところです。
I am in the middle of writing my homework right now.
たった今、駅に着いたところです。
I have just this moment arrived at the station.
Common mistakes
Mixing up the verb forms; using the dictionary form when the action has already started or using the ta-form for an action that hasn't begun.
Tip
Think of 'tokoro' as a physical 'spot' in time. Look for adverbs like 'ima' (now) or 'choodo' (exactly) to help identify which stage the action is in.
More JLPT N4 grammar
See ところ in real Japanese
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