Meaning
ところ describes what you discover or find out after doing something, expressing a situation like 'when I tried..., I found that...' Both the first and second clauses are in past tense. The second clause cannot contain statements of intention or volition. It's used when you learn an unexpected or notable result from taking an action.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞（た形） | ところ |
Examples
-
旅行会社に電話でツアーについて問い合わせてみたところ、そのツアーの予約受付はもう終わっていた。
When I called the travel agency to inquire about the tour, I found that the reservations had already closed. -
京都へ行ってみたところ、想像以上に美しかったです。
When I went to Kyoto, it was more beautiful than I had imagined. -
同窓会に参加したところ、担任の先生に5年ぶりに会った。
When I attended the class reunion, I met my homeroom teacher for the first time in five years. -
華道の先生が教えてくれた通りに生け花をしてみたところ、うまくできました。
When I tried the ikebana arrangement the way my teacher instructed me, it turned out quite well.
Summary
- Use ところ to express a discovery or result after attempting an action
- Both clauses must be in past tense; the second clause cannot express intention or desire
- Commonly used with verbs like やってみた (tried), 行ってみた (went to try), 聞いてみた (asked to find out)