【JLPT N1 Grammar Point 10】
Advanced Japanese is not just about vocabulary—it’s about tone, politeness, and the ability to soften what you’re saying. The expression ～ところを does exactly that.
It’s used when acknowledging someone’s situation or timing, often when making a request, apology, or interruption. It’s highly common in business Japanese, formal speeches, and polite conversations.
🌟 ～ところを
Main Meanings:
- Although… / Even though… (polite apology or acknowledgment)
- While… / Just when… (describing timing or a situation)
🔧 Grammar Structure
[Verb / Adjective / Noun] (plain form) + ところを + [main clause]
This structure is used to show that:
- An action or state was happening or true at a specific time
- Yet something unexpected or inconvenient was done or requested anyway
✅ Example Sentences
1. 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 very much for coming despite being busy.)
▶ Used to acknowledge inconvenience and show appreciation.
2. お休み中のところを申し訳ありません。
(I’m very sorry to bother you during your time off.)
▶ Softens the impact of a disturbance or interruption.
3. ご多用のところを恐れ入りますが、資料をご確認ください。
(I apologize for interrupting you while you’re busy, but please check the documents.)
▶ Polite and business-appropriate request.
4. お話し中のところを失礼いたします。
(Pardon me for interrupting while you’re speaking.)
▶ Common in customer service or phone calls.
🧠 Nuance & Register
| Use Case | Why Use ～ところを |
|---|---|
| Apology | To acknowledge you’re interrupting or inconveniencing someone |
| Gratitude | To express appreciation for someone doing something despite their situation |
| Requests | To soften the tone and add politeness |
🔄 Comparison with Similar Grammar
| Grammar | Usage | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| ～のに | Although | Neutral |
| ～にもかかわらず | Despite | Formal but neutral |
| ～ところを | Although / While | Formal, shows empathy and politeness |
✍️ Practice Challenge
Translate the following using ～ところを:
- I’m sorry for disturbing you while you’re working.
- Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule.
- I apologize for calling while you’re eating.
- Please excuse me for interrupting you while you were on your way out.
🧠 (Answers at the bottom)
🔤 Common Phrases with ～ところを
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| お忙しいところを | While you’re busy |
| お休みのところを | While you’re on break |
| ご出発のところを | Just when you’re leaving |
| ご迷惑のところを | While you’re troubled |
| おくつろぎのところを | While you’re relaxing |
✨ Real-World Use
This expression is especially useful in:
- 📞 Phone conversations (cold calls, customer support)
- 🏢 Business emails and letters
- 🎤 Speeches (accepting awards, starting a meeting)
- 📖 Narrative writing (to set timing or tone)
Try something like:
ご多忙のところを恐縮ですが、5分ほどお時間をいただけますでしょうか？
(I’m terribly sorry to trouble you while you’re busy, but could I have five minutes of your time?)
🏁 Summary
| Grammar Point | ～ところを |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Although / While (polite) |
| Form | Plain form (verb/adjective/noun) + ところを |
| Use | Requests, apologies, timing expressions |
| Nuance | Formal, empathetic, softens impact |
✅ Practice Answers
- お仕事中のところを失礼いたしました。
- ご多忙のところを、お越しいただきありがとうございます。
- お食事中のところを申し訳ありません。
- お出かけのところを失礼いたしました。
📘 Coming Next: ～とあって – Expressing special circumstances or reasons that lead to an expected or intense result.
