a punto de
/a ˈpunto de/
The English phrase 'about to' is translated into Spanish as a punto de. Wiktionary also lists estar para.
Meaning: indicating imminence (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a punto de | /a ˈpunto de/ |
| estar para | /esˌtaɾ ˈpaɾa/ |
Both a punto de and estar para are used to indicate imminence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase a punto de is almost always preceded by a conjugated form of the verb estar and followed by an infinitive verb. To express that you 'were about to' do something, you should change the verb estar to the imperfect tense, such as estaba a punto de.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈpunto de/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, estar para is used not just for imminence, but to say someone is 'in the mood' for something, such as estoy para un café to mean 'I'm in the mood for a coffee'.
- The verb estar used in these phrases has an irregular preterite form that was likely borrowed from the verb haber, meaning 'to have'.
- While a punto de is universal, the use of estar para to mean 'about to' is much more common in Latin America than in Spain.
Examples in context
- Está a punto de irse.He is about to leave.This sentence shows how to use a punto de to describe someone being about to leave.Tatoeba #2220730 by Shishir, translation #449813 by manuk7
- Están a punto de irse.They're about to leave.This sentence shows how to use a punto de to describe a group being about to leave.Tatoeba #1321921 by Shishir, translation #1173776 by CK
- Está a punto de morir.He is about to die.This sentence shows how to use a punto de to describe someone being about to die.Tatoeba #1832131 by Shishir, translation #1829476 by Spamster
- Estoy a punto de llamar a mi jefe.I am about to call my boss.
- Está a punto de comenzar la reunión.The meeting is about to start.
- Estamos a punto de firmar el contrato.We are about to sign the contract.
- Estoy por llamar a mi amigo.I am about to call my friend.
- Están por llegar.They are about to arrive.
- Estamos por salir de casa.We are about to leave home.
- Estoy a punto de terminar de estudiar.I am about to finish studying.
- Los niños están a punto de salir al parque.The kids are about to go to the park.
- Estamos a punto de comer.We are about to eat.
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a cafe waiting for a friend.
- Daniel¿Viene tu amigo?Is your friend coming?
- LucíaSí, está a punto de llegar.Yes, he is about to arrive.
- DanielPerfecto, yo también estoy a punto de pedir un café.Perfect, I am also about to order a coffee.
- LucíaPide uno para mí también, por favor.Order one for me too, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “about to” translations and entries a punto de, estar para, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, estar, para, punto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
