JLPT N2

万一

By any chance, God forbid, in the unlike event that

Structure

万一 + sentence (often with ～たら、～ば、～と)

How it works

万一 is used to describe a hypothetical, extreme, or unlikely event that might occur. It's often followed by a conditional clause to state what should be done in such a rare circumstance.

Examples

万一遅れるようなことがあったら、必ず連絡してください。

If by any chance you are late, please be sure to contact me.

Common mistakes

Using it for everyday or highly probable contingencies; it's reserved for rare, serious possibilities.

Tip

Think of '万' (ten thousand) and '一' (one). One in ten thousand chance: 'by any chance'.

More JLPT N2 grammar

に伴いにかけてにかわってにもかかわらずに限りに限らずをはじめを中心に

See 万一 in real Japanese

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