一応
ichiou
More or less; pretty much; roughly
A versatile adverb meaning 'more or less' or 'for now', used to soften statements or indicate a provisional action.
How to form it
Used as a standalone adverb before a verb, adjective, or clause; no conjugation needed. Can also appear at the start of a sentence as a discourse marker.
What it means
一応 (ichiou) is an adverb that expresses the idea of doing something 'for now' or to a 'minimum satisfactory degree'. It often implies that the action is not perfect or final, but it's enough for the moment. For example, you might 一応 check a document before submitting it, meaning you give it a quick look, not a deep review. It can also mean 'more or less' when describing a state, like when you know something roughly but not in detail. In conversation, starting a reply with 一応 softens the statement, making it sound more humble or tentative, like saying 'well, for what it's worth...'
Example sentences
一応、明日の会議の資料は準備しました。
Ichiou, ashita no kaigi no shiryoo wa junbi shimashita.
I've prepared the materials for tomorrow's meeting, more or less.
この本は一応読んだけど、内容はあまり覚えていない。
Kono hon wa ichiou yonda kedo, naiyoo wa amari oboete inai.
I've read this book, roughly, but I don't remember much of the content.
一応、彼に連絡しておいたほうがいいよ。
Ichiou, kare ni renraku shite oita hou ga ii yo.
You should at least contact him, just to be safe.
Don’t confuse it with
とりあえず (toriaezu)
とりあえず means 'for now' as in 'first things first' or 'temporarily', focusing on immediate action before doing something else. 一応 emphasizes doing something to a minimum standard or as a precaution, often implying that the result is not perfect.
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Neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese; slightly casual but appropriate in most situations, including polite conversation.
Next in the N2 path
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What does 一応 mean?
More or less; pretty much; roughly. A versatile adverb meaning 'more or less' or 'for now', used to soften statements or indicate a provisional action.
How do you form 一応?
Used as a standalone adverb before a verb, adjective, or clause; no conjugation needed. Can also appear at the start of a sentence as a discourse marker.
Example of 一応 in a sentence
一応、明日の会議の資料は準備しました。 — I've prepared the materials for tomorrow's meeting, more or less.
とりあえず (toriaezu) — what is the difference?
とりあえず means 'for now' as in 'first things first' or 'temporarily', focusing on immediate action before doing something else. 一応 emphasizes doing something to a minimum standard or as a precaution, often implying that the result is not perfect.
What JLPT level is 一応?
JLPT N2 (upper intermediate), number 68 of 195 in Nihoner's learning order for N2.
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