Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Before an action: 辞書形 + ところ
Dictionary form + ところ describes a moment just before an action starts. It is useful when the speaker wants to show timing very precisely.
Target signal
今から出かけるところです。
I am just about to go out now.
Dictionary form + ところ = just about to do.
Vocabulary notes
- ところで
- by the way
- 出かける
- to go out; to leave home
- ところ
- about to; in the middle; just finished
Compare in context
ちょうど電話をかけるところでした。
I was just about to make a phone call.
ところでした can describe a point just before the action started.
Vocabulary notes
- ちょうど
- just; exactly
- ところで
- by the way
- ところ
- about to; in the middle; just finished
Section 2 of 3
During an action: 〜ているところ
〜ているところ means the action is in progress right now. It is more specific than plain 〜ている because it highlights the exact moment and ongoing stage.
Target signal
今、レポートを書いているところです。
I am in the middle of writing a report now.
〜ているところ zooms in on the exact middle of the action.
Vocabulary notes
- ているところ
- in the middle of doing
- ところで
- by the way
- レポート
- report; paper
Preview
会議をしているところなので、後で電話します。
We are in the middle of a meeting, so I’ll call later.
The ongoing action explains why the call must wait.
Vocabulary notes
- ているところ
- in the middle of doing
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- ところ
- about to; in the middle; just finished
Section 3 of 3
After an action: たところ
Past plain form + ところ means the action has just finished. Compared with 〜たばかり, it usually points to a more exact, immediate moment.
Target signal
今着いたところです。
I just arrived.
たところ points to a very immediate result.
Vocabulary notes
- ところで
- by the way
- ところ
- about to; in the middle; just finished
- ところ
- place; point; part
Preview
夕飯を食べたところです。
I just finished eating dinner.
More exact and moment-focused than たばかり.
Vocabulary notes
- ところで
- by the way
- ところ
- about to; in the middle; just finished
- ところ
- place; point; part