Meaning & usage
ところだ marks the exact point in time around an action. It expresses being about to do something, being right in the middle of it, or being immediately after finishing it. It follows verbs only, using 出るところだ for before, 出ているところだ for during, and 出たところだ for after. It stresses a single moment, so it does not suit long continuing situations, and とこだ is its casual spoken form.
Example sentences 6
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ちょうど出かけるところだ。
I'm about to leave.
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今それをやっているところだ。
I'm working on it.
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今、勉強してるところだよ。
I'm studying now.
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バスはちょうど行ったとこだよ。
The bus just left.
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ジェーンの写真を見ているところだ。
I am looking at the pictures of Jane.
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ちょうど洗車したとこだよ。
I've just washed the car.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 6 past exam questions.
And 2 more tests.