Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn tokoro wo for "while in the middle of" (apologetic/thankful) and "despite."
- Form and connection: [Plain form] ところを
- Nuance in real use: お忙しいところを... is one of Japan's most common apology openers. It expresses respect for the other person's time — in Japanese context, taking someone's time is itself something warranting apology.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn tokoro wo for "while in the middle of" (apologetic/thankful) and "despite."
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Plain form] ところをShow answer
I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy.Show answer
本来ほんらいなら合格ごうかくできるところを、緊張きんちょうのせいで失敗しっぱいした。 ([Plain form] ところを)Continue learning
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