This means something happens right before another event. It often suggests bad timing or a problem.
Verb [dictionary form] + 間際にPrimary
Noun + の + 間際に
This means something happens right before another event. It often suggests bad timing or a problem.
プレゼンの開始間際に、パソコンがフリーズしてしまった。
Just before the start of the presentation, the computer froze.
家を出る間際にパスポートを忘れたことに気づいた。
Just as I was about to leave the house, I realized I had forgotten my passport.
寝る間際に重要な決断をするべきではない。
One should not make important decisions right before going to sleep.
締め切り間際に、クライアントから仕様変更の連絡がありました。
Right before the deadline, we received a notification from the client about a change in specifications.
爆弾が爆発する間際に、ヒーローが駆けつけた。
The hero rushed in just before the bomb was about to explode.
This phrase is like a sudden surprise. It often means something happened right before an event. And that thing was not good or caused a problem. Imagine a pop quiz just before summer break. That is the feeling.
Both 〜間際に and 〜矢先に mean "just before." But 〜矢先に is for when something starts or almost finishes, then stops suddenly. 〜間際に is for when something happens very close to an important time, like a deadline.
Don't use this when something is just happening. For example, not for "while eating." You use it with words for a specific time. Or with verbs that show an action ending. You need a clear end point.
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