JLPT N1 grammar

〜ところをmeaning and usage

Meaning

Just when A happens; while in the state or situation described by A

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)ところを
  • い-adjectiveところを
  • nounのところを

How it is used

① In set phrases of apology or thanks that acknowledge the listener's situation: 「お疲れのところを」. ② Being seen, interrupted or helped right in the middle of A: 「寝ているところを起こされた」.

Examples

  1. お休みのところをお邪魔しまして、申し訳ありません。

    Sorry for bothering you during your time off.

  2. お忙しいところをわざわざお越しいただき、ありがとうございます。

    Thank you for taking the trouble to come when you're so busy.

  3. 道に迷って困っているところを、親切な人に助けてもらった。

    When I'd lost my way and didn't know what to do, a kind person helped me.

About the example 1. Just when A; in the situation of A (at a time when A)