万一…(就)… wànyī… (jiù)…

万一…(就)…（wànyī… (jiù)…）means “in case… / if by any chance…”. "万一" introduces an unlikely but possible (usually bad) situation, meaning "just in case" or "if by any chance". Formation: 万一 + 小句1，(主语) + (就) + 小句2

in case… / if by any chance…

HSK4

Formation

万一 + 小句1，(主语) + (就) + 小句2

Explanation

"万一" introduces an unlikely but possible (usually bad) situation, meaning "just in case" or "if by any chance". The second clause, often with "就", gives the precaution or consequence. It stresses low probability plus preparedness.

Examples

万一 他不来，我们 就 自己去吧。
wànyī tā bù lái, wǒmen jiù zìjǐ qù ba.
In case he doesn't come, let's just go by ourselves.
多带件衣服，万一 晚上冷了 就 能穿。
duō dài jiàn yīfu, wànyī wǎnshang lěng le jiù néng chuān.
Bring an extra piece of clothing, so that if it gets cold at night you have something to wear.

Note

"万一" implies something undesirable and unlikely; can also be a noun ("以防万一").

FAQ

万一…(就)… — what does it mean and how is it used?

in case… / if by any chance…. "万一" introduces an unlikely but possible (usually bad) situation, meaning "just in case" or "if by any chance". The second clause, often with "就", gives the precaution or consequence. It stresses low probability plus preparedness.

万一…(就)… — how do you form it?

万一 + 小句1，(主语) + (就) + 小句2

万一…(就)… — any usage notes?

"万一" implies something undesirable and unlikely; can also be a noun ("以防万一").

Learn in the app →