BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26
Structure of ～ている所(ところ)だ:
Verb［ている］+ ところ + だ
Details about ～ている所(ところ)だ:
In the previous grammar point, we learned that たところ (or ていたところ) will mean 'just did (A)', or 'was just doing (A)'. ているところ works in a similar way, but expresses that someone is right in the middle of doing something. It is regularly translated as 'doing (A) right now', or 'in the process of (A)'.
- 仕事をしているところだから後で電話するね。I am in the middle of work right now, so I will call you later, okay?
- 昨日は近所で泥棒が警察から逃げているところを見た。Yesterday, I saw a burglar running away from the police in my neighborhood.
～ている所(ところ)だ
Usage Notes for ～ている所(ところ)だ:
Using ているところ will indicate that someone is 'busy with (A)', and would therefore not be used when changing actions suddenly. In these cases ているところだった would be used, before the (B) phrase would further explain what happened next.
- 映画を見ているところだったから電話に出れなかった。I was in the middle of watching a movie, so I couldn't answer the phone.
- ギターを弾いているところだったからメッセージに気付かなかった。I was in the middle of playing my guitar, so I didn't notice your message.
Synonyms for ～ている所(ところ)だ:
ている①
Is, Am, Are (~ing)
とき
When, At the time of
ているあいだに
While, During the time that ~
途中に・途中で
On the way, Partway, In the middle of
中
During, While, Throughout, In the process of
最中に
In the middle of
うちに
While, During
の間に
While, During, Between, Period
ながら
While ~ing, During, As
ついでに
While you are at it, On the occasion
～ところに・～ところへ
At the time, When, While, Timing
Example of ～ている所(ところ)だ
今、映画を見ているところです。
I am in the process of watching a movie right now.
今、お父さんは富士山を登っているところです。
My dad is in the process of climbing Mt. Fuji right now.
今、先生に聞いているところです。
I am in the process of asking the teacher right now.
僕は今日本語を勉強しているところだけど。
I am in the process of studying Japanese right now. (Annoyed that he is being interrupted)
彼がスターバックスに入って来た時、私はコーヒーを飲んでいるところだった。
When he came into Starbucks, I was in the process of drinking coffee (at that moment).
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