N2Time & Sequence

V-た形 + ところ

Q: Is "Using this pattern to describe the action itself" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a different pattern to describe the action itself, such as the Te-form or the Ta-form". This pattern is used to describe the outcome or discovery of an action, not the action itself.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'ta bakari' (just finished doing)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ta bakari' to describe the action itself, not the outcome or discovery". While both patterns can be used to describe the result of an action, 'ta bakari' focuses on the completion of the action, whereas this pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'ta koto ga aru' (experience)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ta koto ga aru' to describe a past experience, not the outcome or discovery of an action". While both patterns can be used to describe a past event, 'ta koto ga aru' focuses on the experience itself, whereas this pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome of the action.

When (result of an action); upon doing

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V-た形 + ところ" is used to express the discovery or outcome of an action. It indicates that when someone did something, a certain result followed or something was discovered. This pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome of the first action, rather than the action itself. It is often used to describe a situation where something was found out or discovered as a result of doing something else.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Te-form	V-て + ところ	食べたところ
Ta-form	V-た + ところ	食べたところ
Nai-form	V-ない + ところ	食べないところ

Examples

Example Sentences

先生に相談し食べたところすぐに解決策を教えてくれた。

sensei ni sōdan shi tabeta tokoro sugu ni kaikaku sakuteki o oshiete kureta.

I consulted with the teacher and found out the solution right away.

先生に相談し (consulted with the teacher) + 食べたところ (found out) + すぐに (right away) + 解決策を教えてくれた (found out the solution)

新しいレストランに行ったところあいにく定休日だった。

atarashii resutoran ni itta tokoro aini ku tei kyū bi wa tatte iru.

When I went to the new restaurant, I found out that it was closed.

新しいレストランに行ったところ (went to the new restaurant and found out) + あいにく (unfortunately) + 定休日だった (was closed)

窓を開けると涼しい風が入ってきた。

mado o akete rei shii kaze ga hairi kette iru.

When I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.

窓を開けると (opened the window and) + 涼しい風が入ってきた (a cool breeze came in)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to describe a situation where something was found out or discovered as a result of doing something else. It is often used in formal or written language. It can be confused with other patterns such as "ta bakari" (just finished doing) or "ta koto ga aru" (experience), but the key difference is that this pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome of the first action.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern to describe the action itself

Use a different pattern to describe the action itself, such as the Te-form or the Ta-form

This pattern is used to describe the outcome or discovery of an action, not the action itself.

Confusing with 'ta bakari' (just finished doing)

Use 'ta bakari' to describe the action itself, not the outcome or discovery

While both patterns can be used to describe the result of an action, 'ta bakari' focuses on the completion of the action, whereas this pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome.

Confusing with 'ta koto ga aru' (experience)

Use 'ta koto ga aru' to describe a past experience, not the outcome or discovery of an action

While both patterns can be used to describe a past event, 'ta koto ga aru' focuses on the experience itself, whereas this pattern focuses on the discovery or outcome of the action.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to focus on the discovery or outcome of the first action, and avoid confusing it with other patterns. Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence to determine the correct pattern to use.

In context