Structure
万(が)一 + Phrase
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Standard
使用域
一般
About 万が一
万が一, or sometimes simply 万一 is a grammar pattern that literally means '1 in 10000'. It is used in a similar way to phrases such as 'in the unlikely event of (A)', or 'just in case (A)' in English, and will usually highlight some measure against (A), or what will happen as a result of (A) in the latter half of the sentence.
万が一 is primarily used adverbially, so will often come at the beginning of sentences.
Fun-fact
万が一 is considered slightly stronger than 万一, but 万が一 is far more common due to it being easier to pronounce.
- 万が一の時のためにメールアドレスも教えていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。Can I possibly have your email address too just in case.
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万一分からないことがあれば、何でも私に聞いてください。If by chance, there is something you don't understand, you can ask me anything.
Synonyms
Examples
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万が一のことがあったら、お祖母さんの家に子どもを預けることになっている。
If an unlikely event happens, it has been decided that the children will be entrusted to grandmother.
万が一、宝くじが当たったら、世界一周旅行をしようと思う。
By any chance, if I win the lottery, I shall go on a round-the-world trip.
万が一のために、消火器を買うことにした。
I decided to buy a fire extinguisher, just in case.
(in the unlikely event...)
万が一思いついたら、アイデアを教えてください。
Just in case you think of something, please tell me your idea.
(in the unlikely event...)
万が一熊の足跡を見つけた場合は、連絡してください。
Just in case you should find bear tracks, please let me know.
(in the unlikely event...)
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Difference between 万が一 and 念のため
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万が一 – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
Brand_S
I’ve noticed that 万一 often appears in the phrase 万一に備える, to mean to provide against contingencies. Is that true of 万が一 as well?
Fuga
Hey there!
万一 is just a short 万が一 with the が omitted, so both would work with that phrase! I hope that answers your question!
Brand_S
It does! Thank you! I’ve actually only ever seen 万一に備える in the wild. I didn’t know until I saw that grammar item that 万一 was still used in other contexts!
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