〜ところだった
Formation
N2TimeNeutral
Meaning
Used to describe a situation that almost happened or was on the verge of happening, but was avoided at the last moment. Often used with 'mou sukoshi de' (もう少しで) or 'ayauku' (危うく).
Note
Describes a situation that almost happened but was avoided at the last moment. Frequently paired with adverbs like 'mou sukoshi de' (もう少しで) or 'ayauku' (危うく).
Examples
もう少しで前の車にぶつかるところだった。
I almost crashed into the car in front of me.
あぶない！もう少しで転ぶところだった。
Look out! I almost fell down.
危うく死ぬところだったよ。助けてくれてありがとう。
I was about to die! Thank you for saving me.
もう少しで大切な会議に遅刻するところだった。
I was almost late for an important meeting.
あやうく財布を駅に忘れてくるところだった。
I nearly forgot my wallet at the station.
あともう少しでバスに間に合わないところでした。
I almost missed the bus.
Related Grammar
N4