1.
for the time being, for now
Indicates a temporary measure or current focus, with the implication that things may change later.
差し当たり、この計画で進めましょう。
Let's proceed with this plan for the time being.
差し当たり必要なものだけ買っておく。
I'll buy only what's needed for now.
差し当たり問題はないが、将来は分からない。
There's no problem for now, but the future is uncertain.
差し当たりの目標は合格することだ。
My immediate goal is to pass.
NUANCE: Implies temporariness—the current state or action is provisional and may be revised later.
COMMON USES:
- Business decisions: temporary measures pending further discussion
- Planning: immediate priorities vs long-term goals
- Responses: tentative answers subject to change
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 差し当たり + verb: for now, [do something]
- 差し当たりの + noun: immediate/current [noun]
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- とりあえず: "for now, first of all" (more casual)
- 当面: "for the present, immediately" (more formal)
- ひとまず: "for the moment, tentatively"
- 暫らく: "for a while"
VS. とりあえず:
- 差し当たり: slightly more formal, emphasizes current focus
- とりあえず: casual, often "as a first step"
REGISTER: Neutral to slightly formal. Appropriate in business contexts.