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.
もう出るところです。
I'm about to leave.
今にも雨が降りそうだ。
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.
家を出ようとしたとき、電話が鳴った。
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.
日が沈もうとしている。
The sun is about to set.
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.
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.
今から出かけるところです。
I'm about to go out now.
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.
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.
危うく車にぶつかるところだった。
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.
ちょっと休もうと思います。
I'm about to take a short break.
そろそろ帰ろうと思う。
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.
明日、映画を見に行こうと思っています。
I'm about to go see a movie tomorrow (I'm planning to).
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.
いつでも出発する準備ができています。
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.
料理はもう出すばかりになっている。
The food is just about to be served (everything is ready).
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.
今にも雨が降りそうだ。
It looks like it's about to rain at any moment.
彼女は今にも泣きそうな顔をしている。
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.
新しい時代がまさに始まろうとしている。
A new era is just about to begin.
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.
出かけようとしたら、雨が降り出した。
When I was about to go out, it started raining. (focus on my attempt)
出かけるところに、雨が降り出した。
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.
今にも雨が降りそうだ。
It looks like it's about to rain. (natural)
✗ 雨が降ろうとしている。
(awkward unless poetic)