～ところを JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-ている + ところを / Noun + の + ところを / い-Adjective + ところを / な-Adjective + な + ところを

Explanation

The grammar point ～ところを is often used when something happens (or one acts) at a certain moment/condition that makes the timing inconvenient or contrary to what is expected. It can imply “in spite of the fact that...” or “just when...” depending on context.

Example sentences

• ちょうど映画を見ているところを、停電で真っ暗になった。

  Just when I was in the middle of watching a movie, the power went out and everything went dark.

  Choudo eiga o mite iru tokoro o, teiden de makkura ni natta.

• 美味しく食べているところを、彼が全部横取りしてしまった。

  Right when I was enjoying my meal, he took it all away.

  Oishiku tabete iru tokoro o, kare ga zenbu yokodori shite shimatta.

• 飛行機が離陸しようとしているところを、急にエンジンが止まった。

  Just as the plane was about to take off, the engine suddenly stopped.

  Hikouki ga ririku shiyou to shite iru tokoro o, kyuu ni enjin ga tomatta.

• 彼女が怒っているところを、私は冗談を言ってしまった。

  Even though she was angry, I went ahead and made a joke.

  Kanojo ga okotte iru tokoro o, watashi wa joudan o itte shimatta.