What it means
ところに follows a verb phrase to show that another event occurs at a particularly timed moment. With a dictionary-form verb, it means “just as someone is about to do something.” With a ている-form verb, it means “while someone is in the middle of doing something.” With a た-form verb, it means “just after someone has done something.” The following event often interrupts or coincides with the action in the preceding clause.
Usage note
ところに is used for a specific moment when another event occurs, rather than simply describing a location. Do not confuse it with ところで, which can indicate the point at which an action takes place or introduce a topic, or ところを, which often marks an action being interrupted or observed.
How to use it
出かけるところに、友人から電話がかかってきました。
Just as I was about to leave, a friend called.
私が資料を確認しているところに、部長が入ってきました。
Just as I was checking the documents, the department manager came in.
帰宅したところに、宅配便が届きました。
Just after I got home, a parcel arrived.
出かけるところに、友人から電話がかかってきた。
Just as I was about to leave, a friend called.
私が資料を確認しているところに、部長が入ってきた。
Just as I was checking the documents, the department manager came in.
帰宅したところに、宅配便が届いた。
Just after I got home, a parcel arrived.
Example sentences
会議資料を印刷しているところに、上司から急な修正依頼が届いた。
While I was in the middle of printing the meeting materials, an urgent revision request arrived from my supervisor.
駅へ出かけるところに、母から電話がかかってきた。
Just as I was about to leave for the station, my mother called me.
庭の水やりを終えたところに、隣の人