一応

Meaning & usage

一応 is an adverb meaning something is done for now or just in case, without strong commitment. It comes before the verb or phrase it modifies and works in both casual and polite speech, often softening an answer, as in 一応ね.

Example sentences 8

1. 過去問かこもんがもしあるならば一応いちおう目めを通とおすほうがいいと思おもいます。

   If there are past exam questions then I think it would be best to give them a quick look over.

2. そのスチュワーデスは、一応フランス語を話すことができる。

   The stewardess can speak French after a fashion.

3. 「フェイスブックやってる？」「一応ね。でもほとんど使ってない」

   "Do you have a Facebook account?" "Yeah, just in case. But for the most part I don't use it."

4. 一応聞きますが、なにをするつもりですか。

   Just what are you trying to do?

5. ええ、先方から一応返事はありました。

   Yeah, there was some sort of reply from them.

6. 一応聞いとくけど、明日は制服だよね？

   I want to ask, just in case - we should wear our uniforms tomorrow, right?

7. 俺は話の流れで一応聞いただけで特別の興味はないので、別に話しても話さなくてもどっちでもいい。

   We were talking and I casually asked about something, and I wasn't really interested, so it doesn't matter to me if you speak or not.

8. 「お前料理できるの？」「一応できるよ。味は保証しかねるけど」

   "Can you cook?" "More or less. I can't guarantee it'll taste good though."