HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#73
Expressing “What If” with “wànyī”
万一
How it works
万一 (wànyī) means “what if” or “in case.” It is used when talking about a possible but undesirable situation that one wants to prepare for or consider.
The pattern
万一 (wànyī) + Clause
Example sentences
你还是先把资料备份一下吧,万一电脑出问题就麻烦了。
You had better back up the files first, because if the computer has a problem, it will be troublesome.
现在先别急着下结论,万一情况跟我们想的不一样呢?
Don’t rush to a conclusion now. What if the situation is not what we think?
出门最好带上身份证,万一需要用到的时候找不到就麻烦了。
It is best to bring your ID when you go out, because if you need it and cannot find it, that will be troublesome.
Key point
万一 (wànyī) often suggests low-probability but important risk.