ところを
When, While, In spite of (the circumstances), Regardless of (the circumstances)
Structure
［い］Adjective + ところ（を）
［な］Adjective + ところ（を）
Noun + の + ところ（を）
Explanation
By combining the noun ところ, meaning 'point' or 'circumstance', with the adverbial particle を, ところを creates a grammatical structure with two primary functions. The first expresses the idea of 'in spite of (A)', or 'even though (A) is the case'. This use of ところ politely acknowledges another person's situation, typically before apologizing for interrupting or bothering them during that time.
ところを can follow any word form that is able to modify a noun. This includes verbs in their standard forms, い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives which are followed by な, or nouns which are followed by の.
- 楽しく食事しているところを申し訳ありませんが、少しお話よろしいでしょうか。I'm terribly sorry to interrupt you while you're enjoying your meal, but may I have a quick word?
- お辛いところを恐縮ですが、会議の日程についてご意見をいただけますでしょうか。I'm so sorry to ask this at such a difficult time for you, but could I get your opinion on the meeting schedule?
- 大変なところをご協力いただき、心より感謝いたします。Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your cooperation in spite of the difficult circumstances.
- お休みのところをすみません。緊急の連絡です。I apologize for contacting you on your day off. This is an urgent matter.
The second common function of ところを is to mean 'just as (A) was happening', or 'at the very moment of (A)'. It emphasizes that action (B) occurs at that specific instant, often interrupting action (A). This can carry either a positive or a negative feeling depending on the context.
This particular function of ところを is used exclusively following verbs in any of their standard forms.
- コンビニから出るところを友達に見られた。My friend saw me just as I was coming out of the convenience store.
- 友達の宿題を写しているところを先生に注意された。The teacher warned me right when I was copying my friend's homework.
- 犯人が窓から侵入するところを住民に発見されたため、すぐに通報された。Because the resident discovered the culprit as he was breaking in through the window, he was reported immediately.
For either of these uses, the を particle itself can sometimes be dropped.
Fun Fact
Depending on the textbook, ところを is sometimes treated as two separate grammar points. It is useful to know, however, that the basic concept behind both uses is identical. ところ pinpoints the specific time or situation, while を marks that situation as being acted upon in some way. In the context of an apology, it is the speaker who is 'acting upon' that moment by interrupting, and is thus showing their awareness of it.
Examples
電話で：「夜分お遅く、お休みのところ申し訳ございません。」
On the phone: 'I'm very sorry to bother you while you're resting so late at night.' (in spite of)
食事中のところすみませんが、お醤油を取っていただけますか。
Excuse me for interrupting you while you're eating, but could you please pass the soy sauce? (in spite of)
お疲れのところ恐縮ですが、ちょっとだけお邪魔します。
I'm sorry to bother you when you're tired, but I'll just pop in for a moment. (in spite of)
同僚に：「お帰りのところを引き止めてすみません。一つだけ確認させてください。」
To a colleague: 'I'm sorry to stop you as you're about to head home, but please let me confirm just one thing.' (in spite of)
イベントでの挨拶：「お足元の悪いところ、本セミナーにご参加いただき、ありがとうございます。」
Greetings at an event: 'Thank you for joining our seminar today despite the bad weather.' (in spite of)
集中しているところ悪いんだけど、今ちょっといいかな？
Sorry to bother you while you're concentrating, but do you have a moment? (in spite of)
週末でゆっくりしているところを、わざわざお見舞いに来てくれてありがとう。
Thank you for going out of your way to visit me when you were supposed to be relaxing on your weekend. (in spite of)
取引先への電話：「ご多忙のところ大変恐縮ですが、お電話いたしました。」
Phone call to a client: 'I am terribly sorry to call you when I know you are very busy.' (in spite of)
親から子へ：「ゲームに夢中になっているところごめんね、そろそろ宿題の時間だよ。」
From a parent to a child: 'Sorry to interrupt while you're so absorbed in your game, but it's about time for homework.' (in spite of)
店員：「閉店間際のところをお待たせして申し訳ありませんでした。」
Store clerk: 'I apologize for making you wait, especially since we were just about to close.' (in spite of)
お昼休みのところ申し訳ないのですが、この書類のチェックをお願いできますか。
I'm sorry to bother you on your lunch break, but could you please check this document? (in spite of)
眠たいところ無理を言ってごめんね。空港まで送ってくれてありがとう。
I'm sorry for being unreasonable when you're sleepy. Thank you for driving me to the airport. (in spite of)