一応 (ichiō)

What it means

1. 1.

   More or less; just in case; technically speaking. Attaches to a claim to lower its confidence without withdrawing it.

2. 2.

   Often a modesty device: 一応できます means 'I can do it' said by someone who can do it perfectly well.

   Taking this literally is a standard misreading. Japanese speakers routinely undersell competence with 一応.

Examples with translations

• 一応予約しておいたよ。

  I went ahead and booked, just in case.

• 一応、日本語話せます。

  I can speak Japanese, after a fashion.

  Note: Frequently said by someone entirely fluent.

Other forms

Romanised as:

ichiō