〜ところを

At the time when...; In the midst of...

1. Overview

The expression 「〜ところを」 is used to indicate a specific moment or situation in which something occurs. It often conveys a sense of interruption or contrast, highlighting an action or event that takes place during a particular time or context.

2. Structure

• Verb (te-form) + ところを
• Noun + の + ところを
• Adjective (plain form) + ところを

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Specific Context:
  This structure is used to specify a moment or situation when something happens, often emphasizing an interruption or an action that might be unexpected or not considerate of the current context.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "at the time when..." or "in the midst of...", suggesting that something is happening in the middle of a particular situation.

4. Example Sentences

1. 忙しいところをお邪魔して申し訳ありません。
   I'm sorry to disturb you at a busy time.

2. 勉強しているところを呼び出された。
   I was called out while I was studying.

3. 出かけるところを雨が降り始めた。
   It started to rain just as I was about to leave.

4. ご飯を食べているところを写真に撮られた。
   I was photographed while I was eating.

5. 寝ているところを起こされた。
   I was woken up while I was sleeping.

5. Key Points to Note

• Interruption:
  The phrase often indicates that the action occurring is in some way interruptive or significant to the situation being described.

• Usage in Conversations:
  This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in contexts where timing and situations are crucial to the narrative.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜際に: Used to indicate an event occurring during a specific time.
  • Example: 旅行の際に、たくさんの写真を撮った。
    I took many photos during the trip.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜最中に: Indicates something happening in the middle of an action or event.
  • Example: 食事最中に電話が鳴った。
    The phone rang while I was eating.

8. Summary

「〜ところを」 is used to express an action or event happening at a specific moment, often highlighting interruptions or unexpected occurrences in relation to that context.