Translation guide
Expresses that something is about to happen, often with a sense of imminence or near occurrence. Japanese uses several grammar patterns and phrases depending on whether the event is positive, negative, or neutral, and whether it is an action or a state.
The most common, neutral way to say that an action or event is imminent.
Attach to the volitional form of a verb. Indicates that an action is just about to take place. Often used for both intentional and unintentional events.
The train is about to depart.
He is on the verge of bursting into tears.
Used when something is just about to happen, often with a sense of 'just at the point of'. More immediate than ～ようとしている.
I'm on the verge of going out now.
Expresses that something almost happened (usually something undesirable). Often used with verbs of involuntary action.
I was on the verge of falling.
Describes being close to a certain state, often emotional or physical.
Literally 'one step before N'. Used for being on the brink of a state, often negative.
He is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Means 'just before N'. Stronger sense of imminence than 一歩手前.
He is on the verge of exploding with anger.
Indicates being in the process of becoming N, halfway to that state.
He is on the verge of becoming a celebrity.
Specifically for being about to cry.
～ようとしている is more formal and can be used for both intentional and unintentional actions. ～るところだ is more conversational and emphasizes the immediate moment before an action.
He is about to leave the house. (focus on the process)
He is just about to leave the house. (right now)
Do not directly translate 'verge' as 縁 (ふち) or 端 (はし). These refer to physical edges, not the abstract sense of imminence.