Grammar Info
N2 Lesson 1: 13/21

万(まん)が一(いち)
just in case, in the worst-case scenario, in the unlikely event, by any chance

Can have a negative connotation

Structure
万()一 + Phrase
Details
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使用域 一般
Information
万(まん)が一(いち), or sometimes simply 万一(まんいち) is a grammar pattern that literally means '1 in 10000'. It is used in a similar way to phrases such as 'in the unlikely event of (A)', or 'just in case (A)' in English, and will usually highlight some measure against (A), or what will happen as a result of (A) in the latter half of the sentence.
万(まん)が一(いち) is primarily used adverbially, so will often come at the beginning of sentences.
  • 万(まん)が一(いち)の時(とき)のために防災(ぼうさい)セットを買(か)っておきましょう。
    Let's buy a disaster kit (in advance) just in case.
  • 万(まん)が一(いち)来(こ)れなくなった場合(ばあい)は、連絡(れんらく)をください。
    In the unlikely event that you are unable to come, please contact us.
Fun-fact - 万(まん)が一(いち) is considered slightly stronger than 万一(まんいち), but 万(まん)が一(いち) is far more common due to it being easier to pronounce.
  • 万(まん)が一(いち)の時(とき)のためにメールアドレスも教(おし)えていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
    Can I possibly have your email address too just in case.
  • 万一(まんいち)分(わ)からないことがあれば、何(なん)でも私(わたし)に聞(き)いてください。
    If by chance, there is something you don't understand, you can ask me anything.
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万(まん)が一(いち)のことがあったら、お祖母(ばあ)さん家(いえ)子(こ)どもを預(あず)けることになっている。
If an unlikely event happens, it has been decided that the children will be entrusted to grandmother.
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万(まん)が一(いち)、宝(たから)くじが当(あ)たったら、世界(せかい)一周(いっしゅう)旅行(りょこう)する思(おも)う
By any chance, if I win a lottery, I think I will go on a round-the-world trip.
万(まん)が一(いち)のために、消火器(しょうかき)を買(か)うことにした。
I decided to buy a fire extinguisher, just in case.
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