とりあえず
とりあえず
adverb
for now; for the time being; first of all
1.
for now; for the time being
Indicates doing something as a temporary or provisional measure.
とりあえずこれで大丈夫だと思います。
I think this is fine for now.
時間がないから、とりあえず始めよう。
We don't have time, so let's just start.
結果はまだわからないが、とりあえず出してみよう。
I don't know the result yet, but let's submit it for now.
2.
first of all; to start with
Indicates something as the first step before other things.
とりあえずビールで乾杯しよう。
Let's start with beer for now.
Very common at izakayas
とりあえずメニューを見てから決めよう。
Let's look at the menu first and then decide.
とりあえず自己紹介から始めましょう。
Let's start with introductions first.
とりあえず conveys doing something as a temporary first step without committing to a final decision. Extremely common in everyday conversation.
KANJI:
Can be written as 取り敢えず, though hiragana is standard.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- とりあえずビール: "beer first" (iconic phrase when ordering at an 居酒屋)
- とりあえず連絡します: I'll contact you for now
- とりあえずやってみる: just try it for now
NUANCE:
Implies the action is provisional — a better solution or decision may come later. It softens requests and suggestions by framing them as non-final.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 一旦: temporarily, for the moment (emphasis on pausing)
- 差し当たり: for the time being (more formal/written)
- まず: first of all (sequential, not provisional)
Related Words
Synonym:
一旦 (temporarily)
Synonym:
差し当たり (for the time being (formal))
Related:
まず (first of all)