万一 (wàn yī) — (conjunction) just in case; if by any chance (indicates a remote possibility one should prepare for); (noun) contingency; a remote possibility

Definition

万一 emphasizes a remote, unlikely possibility — 'just in case it happens'. 如果 covers ordinary 'if'; 倘若/假使 are formal/literary 'if'.

conjunction
just in caseif by any chance (indicates a remote possibility one should prepare for)
noun
contingencya remote possibility

Examples

  • 万一
    Dài bǎ sǎn, wàn yī xià yǔ.
    Take an umbrella just in case it rains.
  • 万一
    wàn yī Tā méi lái, wǒ men jiù xiān kāi shǐ.
    If by any chance he doesn't come, we'll start without him.
  • Duō dài xiē qián, yǐ fáng wàn yī.
    Bring more money just in case.

Grammar

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