万一(wànyī)
In Case / What If
Structure Pattern
Explanation
万一 (wànyī) literally means "one in ten thousand" — it introduces an unlikely but possible scenario, meaning "in case" or "what if." It expresses worry about a low-probability event and often prompts precautionary action.
Example Sentences
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Dài bǎ sǎn ba, wànyī xià yǔ ne.
Bring an umbrella, just in case it rains.
Wànyī chídào le zěnme bàn?
What if we're late? What do we do?
Wànyī tā bù tóngyì, wǒmen zài xiǎng bié de bànfǎ.
In case he doesn't agree, we'll think of another way.
Duō dài diǎn qián, wànyī bú gòu yòng.
Bring extra money, just in case it's not enough.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
万一明天是星期一。
Correct Usage
万一明天下雨怎么办？
万一 is for uncertain, low-probability events. Tomorrow being Monday is a known certainty, not an uncertain scenario. Use 万一 for situations involving genuine uncertainty and risk.
Related Grammar Points
Master 万一
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