Translation guide
Expresses that an action is on the verge of happening. Japanese uses several grammar patterns attached to the verb, with nuances of immediacy, intention, or unexpectedness.
The speaker is about to do something, or something is about to happen very soon.
Attach to the volitional form of a verb. Indicates that an action is just about to take place, often with a sense of 'on the point of'. Can be used for both intentional and unintentional actions.
I'm just about to go out.
The train is just about to depart.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Emphasizes that the action is just about to start, often used when the timing is precise. More common in spoken Japanese.
I'm just about to eat.
The meeting is just about to start.
Attach to the dictionary form. Implies that everything is ready and only the action itself remains. Often used when preparations are complete.
We're all ready and just about to leave.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb. Indicates that something almost happened (often unintentionally or unexpectedly). Focuses on the near occurrence rather than intention.
I was just about to fall.
I was just about to cry.
Used with time words to indicate something is imminent in the near future.
Literally 'soon'. A very common and natural way to say something is about to happen. Can be used with any verb.
It looks like it's just about to rain.
We're just about to arrive.
Emphasizes that something seems about to happen at any moment. Often used for dramatic or urgent situations.
She looks like she's just about to burst into tears.
Both mean 'about to do', but Vるところ focuses on the immediate moment before starting, while Vようとしている can describe a process that is beginning or a situation that is developing. Vるところ is more common in daily conversation.
I'm just about to make a phone call. (right now, hand on the phone)
The sun is just about to set. (the process is underway)
Do not directly translate 'just about to' as ちょうどについて or similar. Japanese uses specific grammatical constructions attached to verbs. Using the wrong pattern can sound unnatural or change the meaning.