estar a punto de
Lemma Details
Translation: to be about to; to be on the verge of; to be on the point of
Part of Speech: verbal phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines several elements: 'estar' (to be), 'a' (at/to), 'punto' (point), and 'de' (of). 'Punto' derives from Latin 'punctum' meaning 'point' or 'dot', which is also the origin of the English word 'point'. The construction literally means 'to be at the point of' and has evolved to express imminent action.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estoy a punto de salir para la reunión.
I'm about to leave for the meeting.
El tren está a punto de llegar a la estación.
The train is about to arrive at the station.
Estuvimos a punto de ganar el partido.
We were about to win the match.
La película está a punto de comenzar.
The movie is about to start.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'punto' as 'point' in time - you're at the exact point of doing something.
- Visualize standing at a starting point (punto) ready to begin an action.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in everyday Spanish conversation to indicate imminent actions. It's a fundamental expression for discussing plans or events that are about to happen.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estar a punto de' means 'to be about to do something', 'estar al punto' refers to food being cooked to the right degree (medium rare).
Confused word:
La carne está al punto, ni muy cruda ni muy hecha.
The meat is medium rare, neither too raw nor too well done.
Notes: The preposition makes a significant difference in meaning between these similar-looking phrases.
Mnemonic: 'A punto de' has 'de' which connects to a verb (what you're about to DO), while 'al punto' refers to a STATE (how something is).
Explanation: 'Estar a punto de' indicates being about to do something, while 'estar en punto' refers to being exactly on time (on the dot).
Confused word:
Son las tres en punto.
It's exactly three o'clock.
Notes: Both phrases use 'punto' but with different prepositions that change the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: Think of 'en punto' as 'on the dot' for time, while 'a punto de' is being on the edge of an action.