万一

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 带把伞吧,万一下雨呢。▶ —
   Take an umbrella, in case it rains.
2. 多准备一些,以防万一。▶ —
   Prepare a bit extra, just in case.

Collocations

Mnemonic

万 wàn "ten thousand" + 一 yī "one": one in ten thousand, i.e. "in case, just in case". Hypothesizes a low-probability (often bad) event. 以防万一 = to guard against the unexpected. Contrast 一旦: 万一 = a slim-chance precaution, 一旦 = once it happens.

Related

Quick check

1. What is the nuance of 万一?

   • a low-probability (often bad) event, as a precaution
   • asserting something certain
   • recalling a finished event
   • merely marking time