Estoy a punto de salir.

I am about to go out.

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, , and ?