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.
電車が出ようとしている。
The train is about to depart.
彼は泣き出そうとしている。
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.
今、出かけるところです。
I'm on the verge of going out now.
Expresses that something almost happened (usually something undesirable). Often used with verbs of involuntary action.
転びそうになった。
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.
彼は破産の一歩手前だ。
He is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Means 'just before N'. Stronger sense of imminence than 一歩手前.
彼は怒りが爆発寸前だ。
He is on the verge of exploding with anger.
Indicates being in the process of becoming N, halfway to that state.
彼は有名人になりかけている。
He is on the verge of becoming a celebrity.
Specifically for being about to cry.
The most common way to say 'on the verge of tears'.
彼女は泣きそうだった。
She was on the verge of tears.
Literally 'tears seem about to come out'.
感動で涙が出そうになった。
I was on the verge of tears from emotion.
～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.
彼は家を出ようとしている。
He is about to leave the house. (focus on the process)
彼は家を出るところだ。
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.