Translation guide
Expresses that an action or event is about to happen immediately. Japanese uses several grammar patterns and set phrases to convey this nuance, depending on formality and whether the focus is on the imminent action or the state just before it.
The speaker is just about to perform an action, or an event is imminent.
Attach the volitional form of a verb to とする. Indicates that someone is just about to do something, often with a sense of intention or attempt. Very common in spoken and written Japanese.
Describes being very close to a particular state, often negative or extreme.
Literally 'just before N'. Used for being on the brink of something, often negative like collapse, death, or failure.
He was on the point of collapsing.
Just as I was about to leave the house, the phone rang.
He was on the point of saying something, but stopped.
Used with the dictionary form of a verb. Emphasizes that the action is just about to happen, often with a sense of being at that very moment. Neutral formality.
I'm just on the point of going out.
The movie is about to start.
The volitional form + としている. Similar to ようとする but often describes a situation where something is on the verge of happening, not necessarily by someone's will. Can be used for inanimate subjects.
The sun is on the point of setting.
He is on the verge of bursting into tears.
Past tense of ところだ. Indicates that something almost happened but didn't. Often used to express relief or regret.
I was on the point of missing the train.
Used with the stem of a verb + そうだ. Emphasizes that something looks like it's about to happen any moment, based on observation. Often used for weather or physical states.
It looks like it's on the point of raining.
The company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Indicates that a situation has progressed to the point where something is about to happen. Often used for gradual processes.
Negotiations are on the point of breaking down.
Similar to 今にも～そうだ but with a verb. Emphasizes the imminent occurrence of an action based on appearance.
She has a face that looks on the point of crying.
I'm trying to go out / on the point of going out. (focus on intention or imminent action)
Do not translate 'on the point of' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like ポイントの上に are nonsensical. Use the grammar patterns above.