とりあえず

Alternative writings: 取りあえず, 取り敢えず, 取敢えず, 取り合えず, 取合えず
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

used to indicate doing something first or immediately — 'first of all' or 'at once'.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

とりあえずやってみよう。

Let's try it first.

電話がつながらないので、とりあえずメールを送った。

The call wouldn't connect, so I sent an email for now.

とりあえず会場の下見に行きましょう。

Let's go and check out the venue first.

2

means 'for the time being' or 'for now' — a tentative or temporary state.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

とりあえず今日はここまでにしましょう。

Let's stop here for today, for the time being.

とりあえず代案を出しておく。

I'll put forward an alternative plan for now.

お金はとりあえず預かっておきます。

I'll hold onto the money for now.

3

colloquially used as 'anyway' or 'at least' — denotes a minimal or provisional action before a final decision.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

難しくても、とりあえずやってみる価値はある。

Even if it's difficult, it's worth trying at least.

説明は後で聞くとして、とりあえず席を確保しよう。

We can get the explanation later; for now, let's secure seats.

値段は高いが、とりあえず買っておこう。

It's expensive, but I'll buy it for now.

Word Relationships

Synonyms