Estar por hacer algo

Question

This is my first question, so please, be kind

Well, I was wondering how to translate "estar por hacer algo". I entered it in the phrasebook, just in case some one knew a similar idiom in English and could translate it for others. Now I can see it has be translated into "just about to do something".

For me (if I'm wrong, please, correct me), "estar por hacer algo" means not being sure about what to do, and after thinking about it for a while, deciding something. I mean, I'm in class but I'm not feeling well, and I feel like going home, "estoy por irme a casa". It's a decision I've just made and I'm not sure about whether it's the right thing, but I think I'll do it. Wouldn't "I'm just about to go home" mean I'll be leaving in a few minutes?

Another example: my boyfriend will be 27 in a few days and I don't know what to buy for his birthday (real fact, any advice would be appreciated jeje). "Estoy por comprarle una camiseta": I don't know if he will like it, but I think it's not a bad present. "I'm just about to buy a t-shirt for him": wouldn't that mean that I'll have the t-shirt bought in a few minutes?

What I mean is that I understand that "just about to do something" refers to time and "estar por hacer algo" to decisions". Am I wrong?

• Some corrections on your English. Mostly minor misspellings, though I substituted "thinking about" in place of "thinking of", as that is better English. Great job though! - Goyo Oct 16, 2010
• Thank you ^^ - LoaEtayo Oct 16, 2010

Answer 1

You're right.

"I'm just about to ...." or "I'm about to...." means that I've already made the decision and I'm moving toward doing it.

"I was thinking of...." or "I'm considering...." means that I'm still deciding whether it's the best course of action.

I'm just about to buy this shirt = I have decided to do it.

I was thinking about going home = I haven't made up my mind yet.

---

P.s. Electronics, like iPods, TVs, and movies, CDs, etc., are great gifts for men.

• In that other context (thinking about buying something) it would also be a good translation "I'm toying with the idea of buying..", don't you think? - bill1111 Oct 16, 2010
• Toying ... good. - LateToDinner Oct 16, 2010

Answer 2

Hi loa, first question!!! This shows what a great contributor you are for all of us, I hope people appreciate that!

I would also like to add , loa is a Spanish native, so if you would all please correct her English that would be great Not much to correct, mind you, but...

La respuesta ya la tienes, lo a I am about to...es más bien, estoy a punto de...no es lo mismo, pero ya lo ha explicado Marianne.

¿Le gustan las gafas de sol? A mí me encantan, eso sería un buen regalo. Unas de Rayban...chica, tienes unos modelos tan chulos!!! Ademàs sería fuera de lo comúm.

Otra cosita: un fin de semana en un Parador? No sé si eso es posible, depende de la relación claro.

Yo huiría de pelis o tabaco...siempre lo mismo.

Si no te gusta, tengo más ideas. De todas formas...lo que haré es abrir un hilo, jeje, eso será lo mejor