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Estoy a punto de salir.

Estoy a punto de salir.
I am about to go out.
FromLesson 18inHardcore Spanish (Spain)

Breakdown of Estoy a punto de salir.

yo
I
estar
to be
salir
to go out
a punto de
about to

Questions & Answers about Estoy a punto de salir.

What nuance does a punto de add beyond just “I’m going to leave”?
It emphasizes immediacy: you’re on the verge of doing it, moments away. Estoy a punto de salir ≈ “I’m just about to leave,” stronger than simply “I’m going to leave.”
Why is it a punto de and not something like a punto a?
Because a punto de + infinitive is a fixed idiom. The de is required to introduce the verb in the infinitive. Dropping or changing it is incorrect.
Is it spelled a punto or apunto?
Two words: a punto. One word, apunto, is a different verb form (from apuntar, “I note/aim”), not related here.
Does punto change with gender or number?
No. A punto is invariable. You don’t say “a punta” or “a puntos.”
Can I include the subject: Yo estoy a punto de salir?
Yes, but Spanish normally drops subject pronouns unless you need emphasis or contrast. Estoy a punto de salir is the default.
How does this compare with Voy a salir, Estoy saliendo, Estoy por salir, and Estoy para salir?
  • Estoy a punto de salir: about to, imminent.
  • Voy a salir: I’m going to leave (near future/plan), not necessarily immediate.
  • Estoy saliendo: I’m in the act of leaving right now (progressive).
  • Estoy por salir: In Spain, often “I’m inclined/considering leaving” or “it remains to be done” (ambiguous).
  • Estoy para salir: “I’m ready/about to leave” (often “ready”), common with inanimate subjects: El tren está para salir.
How do I say “I was about to leave”?
  • Estaba a punto de salir (background/imperfect).
  • Estuve a punto de salir (a specific near-event).
    Both usually imply it ultimately didn’t happen unless context says otherwise.
Can I use other tenses like future or perfect?

Yes:

  • Estaré a punto de salir: “I’ll be about to leave” (either literal future or a present guess: “Right now he’s probably about to leave”).
  • He estado a punto de salir: “I’ve been about to leave.”
If I want “I’m about to leave (from) the house,” do I add another de?
Yes: Estoy a punto de salir de casa. The two de’s are fine: first from a punto de, second from salir de (leave from).
Can I use irse instead of salir?

Yes, with a nuance: irse focuses on “leaving (going away).”

  • Estoy a punto de irme = I’m about to go (away).
  • Estoy a punto de salir = I’m about to go out/leave (exit).
    Both are common; irme often feels more personal.
Where do pronouns go with irse?
Attach them to the infinitive: Estoy a punto de irme (not “de me ir”). With objects: Estoy a punto de llevármelo.
Is salirse ever correct here?
Not for “to leave.” Salirse means things like “to leak/spill out,” “to go beyond limits,” or “to quit (drop out).” Use salir or irse for “leave.”
Is this natural in Spain? Register?
Yes—very common and neutral. Works in formal and informal contexts across Spain (and the rest of the Spanish‑speaking world).
Can I negate it? For example, “I’m not about to leave.”
Yes: No estoy a punto de salir, though it’s most natural when contradicting someone’s assumption. If you mean “I’m in no condition/mood to leave,” say No estoy para salir.
Can a punto de take a noun?
Yes, with an article: a punto del colapso (“on the verge of collapse”), a punto de la victoria (“on the brink of victory”). With verbs, use the bare infinitive: a punto de salir.
Any quick alternatives I’ll hear in Spain?
  • Ya me voy. (I’m leaving now.)
  • Estoy a punto de marcharme. (marcharse is common in Spain)
  • Enseguida salgo. (I’m leaving right away.)
  • Estoy para salir. (I’m ready/about to leave—context-dependent)
How could I add time adverbs?
They can go before or after naturally: Estoy a punto de salir ya/ahora mismo/en seguida or Ya estoy a punto de salir. All are fine; Spanish is flexible with adverb placement.
How do I turn it into a question?
Just invert with rising intonation: ¿Estás a punto de salir? / ¿Estáis a punto de salir? / ¿Está a punto de salir? (usted/él/ella).
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