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一応

just in case; more or less, for what it's worth

一応 + action / statement

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一応 is one of the most common hedging words in Japanese, with two main uses.

Just in case: doing something as a precaution, even if it may not be needed: 一応、傘を持っていこう, "I'll take an umbrella, just in case". It often pairs with ておく: 一応確認しておきます.

More or less, for what it's worth: a modest or reserved statement, admitting it's not perfect: 一応、完成しました, "it's more or less finished"; 料理は一応できます, "I can cook, after a fashion".

It softens what you say and avoids sounding boastful or overconfident, which is why Japanese speakers use it so often.

Examples

  • 一応いちおう、傘かさを持もっていこう。

    I'll take an umbrella, just in case.

  • 一応いちおう、完成かんせいしました。

    It's more or less finished.

  • 一応いちおう大学だいがくは卒業そつぎょうしました。

    I did graduate from university, for what it's worth.

  • 一応いちおう、確認かくにんしておきます。

    I'll check, just to be sure.

  • 料理りょうりは一応いちおうできます。

    I can cook, after a fashion.

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