Japanese word

一応

Pronunciation

Romajiichiō

Meaning

  • adverbjust in case

Example

一応、かさを持っていきます。ichi ō ka sa o mo tte i ki ma su

I will take an umbrella just in case.

Illustration for 一応 (just in case)

More examples

忘れないように、一応メモしておきます。wasu re na i yō ni ichi ō me mo shi te o ki ma su

I will make a note of it just in case I forget.

Core concept

Shows that something is done as a precaution or accepted for the present without strong commitment.

Common phrases

  • 一応確認するichi ō kaku nin su ru

    check just in case

  • 一応聞いておくichi ō ki i te o ku

    ask just in case

  • 一応準備するichi ō jun bi su ru

    prepare just in case

Similar words

念のためnennotame: It indicates preparation made to avoid trouble if a possible event occurs.
とりあえずtoriaezu: It indicates doing something first while leaving later choices undecided.
ひとまずhitomazu: It indicates dealing with something temporarily before making a fuller decision.

Definition in Japanese

万一に備えて、または当面の措置として、ひとまず事を行うさま。man ichi ni sona e te ma ta wa tō men no so chi to shi te hi to ma zu koto o okona u sa ma

Word origin

一応 (ichiō) is formed from the Sino-Japanese elements 一 (ichi, "one") and 応 (ō, "respond"). The word is conventionally written with these characters and is used as an adverb in modern Japanese.

Usage tips

  • A speaker often uses 一応 (ichiō) to leave room for a later change while still saying what is true for now.

Other meanings

  • at leastadverb
  • for nowadverb

Word lists with this word