Verb た-form + ところ

[Just Finished Doing]

Connection: Verb た-form + ところ

This pattern expresses that an action was just completed moments ago. It emphasizes the immediate aftermath of completing something.

The ところ Three-Stage System: ところ can mark three different time points depending on the verb form:

1. Dictionary form + ところ = about to do (これから食べるところ)
2. ている + ところ = in the middle of doing (今食べているところ)
3. た-form + ところ = just finished doing (今食べたところ)

Usage notes: たところ specifically focuses on the moment right after completion. It often appears with time expressions like 今 (now) or たった今 (just now) to emphasize recency.

Comparison: Similar to たばかり (just did), but たところ emphasizes a more immediate moment right after completion, while たばかり can allow slightly more time to have passed.

Examples:

• ちょうど今、家に着いたところです。(I just arrived home right now.)
• 宿題を終えたところで、友達から電話が来た。(Just as I finished my homework, my friend called.)
• さっき昼ご飯を食べたところだから、まだお腹が空いていません。(I just ate lunch a moment ago, so I'm not hungry yet.)