～る所だ
About to, On the verge of
Structure
Explanation
The noun ところ (often casually spoken as とこ) can indicate the 'point' or 'stage' of an action. The meaning of ところ depends heavily on the tense of the preceding verb. When used after a verb in its dictionary form, it expresses that an action is 'just about to happen' or that someone is 'on the brink of' doing something.
- これから映画が始まるところだ。The movie is about to start.
- ちょうど家を出るところです。I'm just about to leave the house.
Caution
Typically, the kanji 所 is reserved for a literal, physical place, whereas the hiragana form is used for an abstract point in time or a situation. This distinction is not always strictly followed, even by native speakers, so you will likely encounter both the kanji and hiragana versions in various contexts.
- いまの所...At this current location…
- いまのところ...For the time being…
Examples
これから昼ご飯を食べるところです。
I am just about to eat lunch.
ちょうどお風呂に入るところだ。
I'm just about to get in the bath right now.
危うく間違いをするところでした。
I was on the verge of making a mistake. (just about to)
電車に乗るところなので、後で電話します。
I am just about to get on the train, so I'll call you later.
もう寝るところで、玄関のチャイムが鳴った。
Just as I was about to go to bed, the doorbell rang.
チケットを買うところで、売り切れてしまった。
Just as I was about to buy the tickets, they sold out.
コーヒーを飲むところで、こぼしてしまった。
Just as I was about to drink my coffee, I spilled it.
試合が終わるところで、逆転ゴールが決まった。
Just as the game was about to end, the game-winning goal was scored.
これから夕食を作り始めるところです。
I am about to start making dinner now.
ゴールに着くところで、体力がなくなってしまった。
Just as I was about to reach the goal, I ran out of energy.
上司に報告書について聞かれて：「今、ちょうど書き終わるところです。」
When asked by a boss about a report: 'I am just about to finish writing it now.'
メールを送るところで、インターネットが切れた。
Just as I was about to send the email, the internet went out.