Japanese grammar
What does ～るところだ mean? Japanese grammar N4
～るところだ means be about to do ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V (dictionary form) + ところだ |
| Romaji | ~ ru tokoro da |
| Meaning | be about to do ~ |
How to use it
States that an action is about to begin right after the moment of speaking.
- Vるところだ places the speaker right before the starting point of the action. That's why it often goes with これから, 今から, or ちょうど.
- Unlike ～つもりだ, which is a plan that could still be far off, ～るところだ refers to something about to happen right away. 来年留学するつもりだ sounds natural, but 来年留学するところだ sounds unnatural unless it's right at the point of departure.
Examples
これから会議を始めるところです。
We are just about to start the meeting.
今、家を出るところだから、少し待ってください。
I am just about to leave home, so please wait a moment.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong今、駅に着くつもりです。（already close to the station）
Correct今、駅に着くところです。
When an action is about to happen right away, use Vるところ. つもり expresses intention, not a position in time close to the present.
Exam tips
- これから／今から + blank signals Vるところ.