ところを
“While / just when …” → Used to indicate that an action happens at an inconvenient, sensitive, or interrupting moment, often expressing consideration, apology, or criticism.
N1
Meaning
“While / just when …” → Used to indicate that an action happens at an inconvenient, sensitive, or interrupting moment, often expressing consideration, apology, or criticism.
Formation
Verb (ている / た) + ところを
い-adjective + ところを
な-adjective + な + ところを
Explanation
ところを is used when someone does something at a moment that is not ideal, such as:
when someone is busy
when something is about to happen
when a situation is sensitive or inconvenient
The speaker shows awareness that:
the timing is bad
the action interrupts or causes trouble
the situation deserves consideration
This grammar often appears with:
apologies
polite requests
mild criticism
formal written language
It is common in business, formal notices, and JLPT N1 reading passages.
💡 Key idea:
“I know this is not a good time, but …”