N215/217

万が一

万が一 + clause (present/future)万が一のことがあっても + clause万が一でも + negative clause (emphasizing impossibility)

Meanings

  • Just in case
  • In the worst-case scenario
  • In the unlikely event
  • By any chance

About this pattern

Explanation

万が一 is a cautious adverb used to talk about a very unlikely or unexpected possibility. It means “in the unlikely event” or “just in case,” and is often followed by a clause describing what you would do or what might happen if that rare situation occurred. It can stand at the beginning of a sentence to set up a hypothetical condition, or be used with 万が一のことがあっても to emphasize that you will still proceed despite a rare risk. It’s common in cautious planning, warnings, or plans for contingencies.

Learn in context

Example sentences

万が一雨が降ったら、イベントは中止になります。

If by any chance it rains, the event will be canceled.

万が一のことがあっても、冷静に対処してください。

Even in the unlikely event, please handle it calmly.