The Meaning of hitomazu [一まず] In Japanese

一まず
ひとまず
Romaji: hitomazu N5

What does 一まず mean?

Translation and Meaning

for the time being, for now, initially

Definition

What does 一まず mean? It means for the time being; for now; as a temporary measure. It is used to indicate a provisional stance or plan that may be revised later, while you proceed with the next step.

Type

expression (副詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • for the time being; temporarily as a plan or decision
  • used to signal a provisional approach before a final decision
  • in conversation, used to indicate tackling one task before addressing others

Etymology

一 + まず together form a compound; the reading hitomazu emerges as the standard pronunciation in modern Japanese.

Composition

  • 一: one
  • まず: first; to begin with
  • Together they convey taking the first step or adopting a provisional approach

Usage

Used in casual to neutral contexts to express a temporary measure, a plan in progress, or a sequence where the first action is taken before finalizing other steps; common in spoken Japanese and informal writing.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine starting a plan with a single ‘one’ task to test the waters, then decide what to do next.

Variations

  • とりあえず (toriaezu) — for the time being
  • まずは (mazu wa) — for starters

Example Phrases

  • 一まず、メールを読んでから返事を考え、会議に参加する。
    hitomazu, mēru o yonde kara henji o kangae, kaigi ni sanka suru.
    First of all, read the email, think about your reply, and join the meeting.
    Lista:
    • 一まず (hitomazu) – for now
    • メールを (mēru o) – email
    • 読んでから (yonde kara) – after reading
    • 返事を (henji o) – reply
    • 考え (kangae) – thought
    • 会議に (kaigi ni) – to the meeting
    • 参加する (sanka suru) – participate
    「一まず」 means ‘for now’ / ‘first of all’ to start a sequence.
一まず