〜ところだった (~tokoro datta) — almost happened
"Phew, that was close" — it nearly happened, but didn't.
Formula (सूत्र ढाँचा)
Grammar rule (व्याकरण नियम र परिभाषा)
Meaning
- 「〜ところだった」reports that something bad nearly happened but was avoided: 「危ない！電車に乗り遅れるところだった」= that was close, I almost missed the train.
- It is used for things that would have been bad, so the tone is usually one of relief.
How to attach
Words like 「危なく」or 「もう少しで」often come first and strengthen the "nearly" feeling.
Watch out
Note that the dictionary form comes in front, not the た-form — because the event never actually took place.
Examples (उदाहरणहरू)
危ない！電車に乗り遅れるところだった。
あぶない！でんしゃにのりおくれるところだった。
That was close — I almost missed the train.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) 乗り遅れる stays in the plain form (it hasn't happened) → attach ところだった to it → it means 'it almost happened, but didn't'.
もう少しで、財布を落とすところだった。
もうすこしで、さいふをおとすところだった。
I very nearly dropped my wallet.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) 落とす is the plain form → attach ところだった → もう少しで in front strengthens the feeling of 'almost'.
寝坊して、遅刻するところでした。
ねぼうして、ちこくするところでした。
I overslept and almost turned up late.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) 遅刻する is the plain form → attach ところでした (the polite form) → meaning 'I was almost late'.
Knowledge check (मिनी ज्ञान जाँच)
「もう少しで、ころ＿ところだった。」— fill the blank.
💡 Hint: You need the dictionary form, not the た-form.
It never happened, so the dictionary form ころぶ is needed.
Which word often comes in front?
💡 Hint: The one meaning "very nearly".
もう少しで and 危なく strengthen the "nearly" sense.
Did what 「〜ところだった」describes actually happen?
💡 Hint: What does "almost" mean?
It nearly happened but did not — hence the dictionary form.
Your score: /3