Japanese Conversation · Level 12
90 words
Japanese word
ひとまず
Pronunciation
Romajihitomazu
Meaning
- adverbfor now
Example
ひとまず今日は休みます。hi to ma zu kyō wa yasu mi ma su
For now, I will take the day off.
More examples
問題は解決していませんが、ひとまず安心しました。mon dai wa kai ketsu shi te i ma se n ga hi to ma zu an shin shi ma shi ta
The problem is not solved, but I feel relieved for now.
Core concept
It presents the present action as a first practical step while leaving later decisions open.
Common phrases
ひとまず置くhi to ma zu o ku
set aside for now
ひとまず安心するhi to ma zu an shin su ru
feel relieved for now
ひとまずこれでhi to ma zu ko re de
that will do for now
Similar words
とりあえずtoriaezu: It presents an immediate measure as sufficient for the present without settling what comes next.
まずはmazuwa: It introduces the first action to take before dealing with later parts of a matter.
一旦ittan: It describes doing something once or temporarily before a later change or decision.
Definition in Japanese
先の判断や処置を後回しにして、まず当面必要なことを行うさま。saki no han dan ya sho chi o ato mawa shi ni shi te ma zu tō men hitsu yō na ko to o okona u sa ma
Word origin
The form 一先ず (hitomazu) combines 一 (hito, "one") and 先ず (mazu, "first"), expressing the idea of doing one thing first.
Usage tips
- This adverb often makes a statement sound provisional, as the speaker deals with the immediate matter without presenting it as a final decision.