GRAMMAR
一応
just in case
tentatively
Explanation
NOTE
一応 means for the time being, just in case, or sort of — marking a provisional, minimal commitment.
一応傘を持って行く。
I'll take an umbrella just in case.
Signals a precaution — not a full commitment, just enough to be safe.
NOTE
It signals a minimal or tentative effort — good enough for now, but not thorough or final.
NOTE
Use 一応 before a verb to mark an action as a precaution or token effort — done just in case.
STRUCTURE
V
一応一応確認しておきます。
Ichiou kakunin shite okimasu.
I'll confirm just in case.
一応彼に連絡してみる。
Ichiou kare ni renraku shite miru.
I'll try contacting him just to be safe.
一応宿題はやった。
Ichiou shukudai wa yatta.
I sort of did my homework.
NOTE
一応 can also qualify a noun or state as at least meeting a minimum — true, but not fully.
STRUCTURE
N / State
一応仕事は一応終わった。
Shigoto wa ichiou owatta.
The work is more or less finished.
私は一応学生です。
Watashi wa ichiou gakusei desu.
I'm technically a student.
この店は一応有名だ。
Kono mise wa ichiou yuumei da.
This shop is sort of famous.
Practice exercises
1
いわゆる「成功」はまだ遠いが、一応目標設定はした。
The so-called "success" is still far away, but I have tentatively set the goal.
Answer
一応
2
要するに、集合時間が変わったので、一応知らせておきます。
In short, the meeting time has changed, so I'll tentatively let you know.
Answer
一応
3
予算がない。従って、一応安いホテルを探す。
There's no budget. Therefore, I'll tentatively look for a cheap hotel.
Answer
一応
4
全ての資料は揃っていないが、一応準備は進めておこう。
All the materials aren't ready, but I'll tentatively proceed with the preparations.
Answer
一応
5
まだ正式決定ではないが、一応スケジュールは立てておくべきだ。
It's not officially decided yet, but we should tentatively make a schedule.
Answer
一応