Useful Japanese Phrase 4 / 一応(ichiou) Today's word is 一応（いちおう）. It's such a convenient word, so much so that I don't think there is an exact equivalent in English, and Japanese people have trouble expressing this phrase in English. As usual, I'll give you some examples. 1: “to make sure”. It's used when you do something to ease your or someone else's concern. You can also say “確認のため”、”念のため(just in case)” 友達「今日あの人来るかな？」 あなた「来ると思うけど、一応電話してみるよ。」 Friend: “I wonder if he'll come here today?.” You: “I think he's coming but I'll call him to make sure.” 2: “just in case”. It's used in situations where you do something to keep you from any troubles. You can also say “念のため”、”万が一に備えて(for rainy days,)” 「一応、傘持って行った方がいいよ。」 “You should take your umbrella just in case.” 3:”for the moment”. “Let's pencil in”　 ・「一応、これ使うよ。」 “I'll use this for the moment.” ・「いつが都合いい？」、「いつでもいいよ。」、「じゃあ今度の日曜日にしよう。」 “When's good for you?”, “Anytime is fine with me.”, “Then let's pencil in this Sunday.” In this situation, you use this word when you decided to pick something up from some choices, although you don't have very many good options. That's why it sometimes implies that you may change what you decided on if a better choice appears. You can also say “とりあえず”, which I strongly recommend since Japanese people use it very often. 4: “to be on the safe side” 「遅れないように、一応早めの電車で行こうか。」 “Let's take an earlier train to be on the safe side, and so we're not to late.” It's similar to 2. That's why “念のため” is also fine here. 5: I didn't come up with a good equivalent. 「一応、書類には目を通したよ。」 “I looked the document over.” You can express, by using this word, that it was not done “thoroughly” or “perfectly” . You can also say “軽く”、”ざっと”. 6: “to some extent” 「日本語話せる？」 「うん、まあ一応。」 “Do you speak Japanese?” “Yeah, to some extent.” It's used as a response when you're asked if you do something well. It's like "少し（a little）". It has more positive connotations, I think. How were these explanations? I hope it could help. You'll want to use this phrase freely without thinking too much. It's really comprehensive. I almost forget to say that “とりあえず” is also fine with every situation. Ask anytime if you have any questions.