Sometimes you’re just about to do something when someone calls or interrupts you. In Japanese, you can express this with dictionary form + ところ. It’s a simple way to say, “I’m just about to…” Let’s learn how to use ところ to say you’re just about to start an action.
Dictionary Form + ところ
About to Do Something
JLPT Level: N4
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How to Use It
Use this grammar when something is about to happen. The verb stays in its dictionary form, and you add ところ right after it. Since ところ is a noun, it’s followed by です (or だ in casual speech).
You’ll often see this with time expressions like 今 (“now”) or これから (“from now”) to emphasize that the action is happening very soon.
Usage Pattern
[Verb (dictionary form)] + ところ + です
Example 1
今から食べるところです。
いま から たべる ところ です。
Ima kara taberu tokoro desu.
I’m just about to eat.
Example 2
これから出かけるところだよ。
これから でかける ところ だ よ。
Korekara dekakeru tokoro da yo.
I’m about to head out.
Example 3
今、電話するところです。
いま でんわ する ところ です。
Ima denwa suru tokoro desu.
I’m just about to make a call.
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