lately; of late; these days
Adverbial expression referring to the recent period up to now. Often used when something has been happening continuously or noticeably recently.
It's been raining a lot lately.
this part; this point; here
Noun usage referring to a specific part or point in a sequence, conversation, or physical location. Less common than the adverbial sense.
I've been so busy these days that I haven't been able to rest at all.
I didn't really understand this part of the story.
Please look at this point on the map.
Kanji spelling using 所; less common but still seen.
Rare kanji form using 此処; it is rarely used.
A phrase composed of ここ (here) + の (possessive particle) + ところ (place/point). Literally 'the place of here', it extended to mean 'this point in time' or 'lately'.