Translation guide
Expresses that an action or event is on the verge of happening or starting. Japanese uses several grammar patterns depending on whether the focus is on the moment just before, the intention to do something immediately, or the state of being ready.
I'm about to leave.
It's about to rain.
The speaker is just about to perform an action, or an event is about to occur momentarily.
Attach the volitional form of a verb to とする. This pattern emphasizes the moment right before the action begins. Often used when the action is interrupted or when describing a close call.
Just as I was about to leave the house, the phone rang.
I was about to get on the train when the doors closed.
The progressive form of 〜ようとする. Describes a state of being on the verge of doing something, or an event that is about to happen. Often used for natural phenomena or uncontrollable events.
The sun is about to set.
Literally 'at the place of doing'. Indicates that the action is just about to start. More neutral than 〜ようとする, simply stating the timing.
I'm about to go out now.
Past tense of 〜るところだ. Used to say 'was about to do (but didn't)' or 'almost did'. Often implies a narrow escape.
I was almost about to hit a car.
The speaker has the intention to do something in the very near future, often as a response or decision made on the spot.
Expresses the speaker's intention to do something. When used in the present tense, it often implies 'I'm about to do it' or 'I'm thinking of doing it now'. Softer than a direct statement of future action.
The subject is in a state of readiness or preparation to perform an action immediately.
Literally 'preparations for doing are complete'. Used when someone is physically or mentally ready to start an action.
An event or change of state is imminent, often without a human agent.
Combines 今にも (at any moment) with the 〜そうだ form (looks like). Describes something that looks like it's about to happen right now.
Both mean 'about to do', but 〜ようとする focuses on the volitional moment just before the action, often with a sense of attempt or interruption. 〜るところだ is a more neutral statement of timing, simply indicating the action is imminent. 〜ようとする cannot be used for non-volitional events unless personified.
彼は今にも泣き出そうとしている。
He is about to burst into tears at any moment.
ちょうど君に電話しようと思っていたところだ。
I was just about to call you.
I'm about to take a short break.
I'm about to head home soon.
Progressive form of 〜ようと思う. Indicates that the speaker has been holding the intention for a while and is still planning to do it. Can be used for near-future actions.
I'm about to go see a movie tomorrow (I'm planning to).
We are about to depart at any time (we are ready to leave).
Literally 'it has become nothing but doing'. Emphasizes that all preparations are done and only the action itself remains. Somewhat literary.
The food is just about to be served (everything is ready).
It looks like it's about to rain at any moment.
She looks like she's about to cry.
Adds まさに (exactly, just) to 〜ようとしている for emphasis. Often used in formal or written contexts.
A new era is just about to begin.
When I was about to go out, it started raining. (focus on my attempt)
Just as I was about to go out, it started raining. (focus on timing)
Patterns like 〜ようとする imply volition. Using them with inanimate objects or natural phenomena can sound odd unless personified. Use 〜そうだ or 〜するところだ for neutral descriptions.
It looks like it's about to rain. (natural)
(awkward unless poetic)