Translation guide
Expresses that someone is on the verge of boarding a vehicle, such as a plane, train, or bus. Japanese uses constructions with ところ or ばかり to indicate imminent action, or simply states the boarding action with context.
To say that someone is just about to board a vehicle (plane, train, bus, etc.).
The most natural way to express 'be about to board'. ところだ indicates an action is just about to happen. Use the volitional form of the verb (乗る) before ところ.
I'm about to board the plane now.
To say that someone has just boarded a vehicle moments ago.
Indicates an action has just been completed. Use the past tense of the verb + ばかり.
He was about to board the train.
Literally 'is trying to board', this pattern also conveys imminent action. Slightly more formal or written than 乗るところだ.
The passengers are about to board the bus.
Emphasizes that boarding is the only remaining action. Somewhat literary or emphatic.
Preparations are complete; now we're just about to board the ship.
I haven't taken my seat yet. I just boarded the train.
Similar to ばかり, but ところ emphasizes the exact moment of completion. Slightly more colloquial.
I've just boarded the plane now.
all set to board (only boarding left)
乗っている means 'is on board' or 'is riding', not 'about to board'. To express imminent boarding, use 乗るところだ or similar patterns.
He is on the train. (NOT: He is about to board the train.)