一応 ②
more or less, for the time being, tentatively, roughly
Structure
Explanation
As an adverb, 一応 often implies that an action or state (A) has met a basic requirement, though it may not be perfect or complete. This 'requirement' is typically related to quantity or progress. In this usage, 一応 can be translated as 'more or less, (A)', 'for now, (A)', or 'at least (A)'.
- 一応私がリーダーなので、何かあれば言ってください。I'm more or less the leader, so please let me know if there's anything.
- 会議の予定は一応決まりました。The meeting schedule has been decided, for now.
- お腹がすいていなかったが、みんなが食べていたので一応注文した。I wasn't hungry, but since everyone else was eating, I ordered something anyway.
This usage of 一応 contrasts with its other primary function, which means 'just in case' or 'just to be safe'. In these situations, the speaker indicates that action (A) is performed as a precaution to prevent a potential problem (B). However, both meanings share the underlying concept that (A) is the minimum action needed to address a certain condition.
- 道に迷うかもしれないから、一応地図を持っていこう。Let's bring a map just in case we get lost.
- 一応伝えておきますが、私は辛い食べ物は苦手です。Just so you know, I'm not very good with spicy food.
Examples
「旅行の準備はもう済んだ？」
「うん、一応、必要なものはカバンに入れたよ。」
'Are you done preparing for the trip yet?'
'Yeah, I've packed the essentials, more or less.'
建築家：「クライアントに見せるデザインですが、一応これで完成ということにします。」
Architect: 'Regarding the design we'll show the client, let's consider it complete for now.'
日本人の友達：「日本語がペラペラですね！」
学習者：「いえいえ。一応、話せますけど、まだまだです。」
Japanese friend: 'You're fluent in Japanese!'
Learner: 'Not at all. I can speak it, more or less, but I still have a long way to go.'
「この椅子、まだ壊れてるの？」
「ううん、一応座れるようにはしたけど、気をつけてね。」
'Is this chair still broken?'
'No, I've fixed it so you can sit on it for the time being, but please be careful.'
先生：「昨日の宿題は全部できましたか？」
生徒：「はい、一応。」
Teacher: 'Did you manage to finish all of yesterday's homework?'
Student: 'Yes, for the most part.'
友人A：「すごいじゃん！東大に合格したんだって？」
友人B：「うん、まあ一応ね。」
Friend A: 'That's amazing! I heard you got into Tokyo University!'
Friend B: 'Yeah, well, I guess so.'
後輩：「この企画書、どうでしょうか？」
先輩：「一応読んだけど、まだ修正が必要だね。」
Junior colleague: 'What do you think of this project proposal?'
Senior colleague: 'I've at least read through it, but it still needs some revisions.'
お客さん：「店長をお願いします。」
店員：「申し訳ありません。店長は不在ですが、一応私が責任者です。」
Customer: 'I'd like to speak to the manager.'
Clerk: 'I'm very sorry, the manager is not available, but I am tentatively in charge.'
子供：「お母さん、このクッキー食べてもいい？」
お母さん：「うーん…一応食べられるけど、失敗作だからおいしくないかもよ。」
Child: 'Mom, can I eat this cookie?'
Mother: 'Hmm... Technically it's edible, but it was a failure, so it might not be very tasty.'
上司：「このデータで報告書を作っておいて。」
部下：「はい。一応作成しましたが、明日もう一度確認します。」
Boss: 'Use this data to create the report.'
Subordinate: 'Yes. I've put together a draft for now, but I'll double-check it again tomorrow.'
「ごめん、傘持ってる？」
「一応あるけど、この小さい折りたたみだけだよ。」
'Sorry, do you have an umbrella?'
'I have one, sort of, but it's only this small folding one.'
パーティーの主催者：「お飲み物は何にしますか？」
客：「じゃあ、一応ビールをお願いします。」
Party host: 'What would you like to drink?'
Guest: 'Well, I'll have a beer for starters.'