Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 12/23

一応(いちおう)more or less, for the time being, tentatively, roughly

Structure

一応 + Phrase

Details

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About 一応 ②

When used as an adverb, 一応(いちおう) can often carry the nuance of (A) not being perfect or ideal, but the minimum required in order to satisfy some requirement. This 'requirement' is frequently related to the time or amount of something. When used this way, 一応(いちおう) may be interpreted as 'more or less, (A)', 'for the time being, (A)', or 'tentatively (A)'.

This use of 一応(いちおう) is in contrast to the other common use of 一応(いちおう), which can be translated as 'just in case', or 'just to be sure'. In these cases, the speaker is usually indicating that (A) is being done in order to avoid or prevent (B). However, in both of its uses, it simply indicates that (A) is the minimum amount which is fulfilling some requirement.

Examples

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    「もうコンピュータを(なお)したの?」
    一応(いちおう)ね。時間(じかん)がかかったけど。」

    'Have you repaired the computer?'
    'More or less. It took a while though.'

    医者(いしゃ)患者(かんじゃ)について:「ふう…一応(いちおう)容態(ようだい)安定化(あんていか)できました。」

    Doctor, about a patient: '*sighing* We were able to stabilize her condition, for the time being.'

    (わか)()えるメリオダズさん:「これでも一応(いちおう)(ぼく)大人(おとな)なんです。」

    Young looking Melodiaz: 'Despite this (the way I look), I am more or less an adult.'

    部長(ぶちょう):「残念(ざんねん)ながらもう時間(じかん)がありませんので、これで一応(いちおう)会議(かいぎ)()わりです。」

    Head of the department: 'Unfortunately, we have run out of time, so with that, the meeting is finished for the time being.'

    (ころ)んだ友達(ともだち)(いち)(はな)しかける友達(ともだち)():「大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)?」
    友達(ともだち)(いち):「一応(いちおう)。」

    Friend2 talks to Friend1 who has fallen: 'Are you ok?'
    Friend1: 'More or less.'

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一応 ② – Grammar Discussion