Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 10/21

一応(いちおう)

Just in case, Just to be sure

Structure Legend

Structure

一応(いちおう) + Phrase

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About 一応 ①

When used as an adverb, 一応(いちおう) can often carry the nuance of (A) not being perfect, but the minimum required in order to prevent (B). This particular nuance of 一応(いちおう) may be interpreted as 'just in case, (A)', or 'just to be sure (A)'.
  • 今日(きょう)はずっと()れって天気(てんき)予報(よほう)()ってたけど(くも)ってきたから 一応(いちおう)(かさ)()って()ったほうがいいかも。
    They said it was going to be sunny all day today on the forecast, but it's starting to get cloudy so it might be better to bring an umbrella just in case.
  • これで大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)だと(おも)うけど、 一応(いちおう)チェックしておいてくれない?
    I think this is fine, but just to be sure, can you please double check it for me?
When 一応(いちおう) is used this way, it frequently highlights that (B) happening is unlikely, but the precautionary measure of (A) might be a good idea to avoid it. This is in contrast to another common use of 一応(いちおう) which can be translated as 'more or less', or 'for the time being'. However, in both of its uses, it simply indicates the minimum amount of (A) which is fulfilling some requirement.
  • 田中(たなか):「仕事(しごと)()れてきた?」鈴木(すずき):「はい、 一応(いちおう)...」
    Tanaka: 'Have you gotten used to work?' Suzuki: 'Yes, more or less…'
  • 一応(いちおう)はよくなってるみたいですけど、また来週(らいしゅう)病院(びょういん)まで()てください。
    For the time being, it seems like you're getting better, but please come to the hospital again next week.

Examples

  • (なに)テストする(まえ)の、従業員(じゅうぎょういん)(あいだ)での(はなし):「(そんなことには()にしないと(おも)が)一応(いちおう)(つた)えておきます。」

    Before testing something, a conversation between employees: '(I don't think they really care, but) Just in case, I will tell them in advance.'

  • ルームメイトの(あいだ)での(はなし):「Facebookアカウントは一応(いちおう)()ってるけど、あまり使(つか)ってない。」

    Chat between roommates: 'I have a facebook account just in case, but I don't use it much.'

  • 友達(ともだち)(あいだ)での(はなし):「(かれ)私服(しふく)いい()っていたけど、一応(いちおう)スーツ()ていた。」

    Conversation between friends: 'He said that plain clothes are okay, but just in case, he wore a suit.'

  • 教師(きょうし)生徒(せいと):「ハサミは必要(ひつよう)じゃないと(おも)けど、一応(いちおう)用意(ようい)してください。」

    Teacher, to students: 'I do not think that we will need scissors, but just in case, please prepare them.'

  • 友達(ともだち)助言(じょげん)する:「引越(ひっこ)ししたら、一応(いちおう)隣近所(となりきんじょ)挨拶(あいさつ)しないとね。」

    A friend is giving advice: 'If you move, just in case, greet the neighbors.'

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

一応 ① – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

  • eefara

    eefara

    About 3 years ago

    One quick question about the example sentences, not related to 一応:

    友達は助言する:「引越ししたら、一応、隣近所に挨拶しないとね。」
    Could I get a quick explanation for what しないと is doing here? My best guess is that it’s some sort of speculative と, making the sentence something like, “if you don’t greet your neighbors […]”, but I’m not completely sure.

  • mrnoone

    mrnoone

    About 3 years ago

    Hey

    It is this grammar point, more or less command, with だめ・いけない, etc omitted. ね makes it more friendly.

    I hope it helps,
    Cheers!

  • eefara

    eefara

    About 3 years ago

    Dang, I even searched for it beforehand, to. :\ Thank you, though!

Got questions about 一応 ①? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

Join the Discussion