만일을 위해서
manireul wihaeseo
The English phrase "just in case" can be translated into Korean as 만일을 위해서 (manireul wihaeseo).
This phrase is used to express the idea of doing something to be on the safe side.
Meaning: to be on the safe side (adv)
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, Koreans more frequently use 혹시 모르니까 to mean "just in case" or "since one might not know."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
혹시 모르니까 is informal/colloquial.
How do you pronounce it?
manireul wihaeseo
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the 'case' in 만일 (man-il) refers specifically to a 'ten thousand' number, suggesting a scenario where 'ten thousand occurrences' might happen.
- While 혹시 모르니까 means 'just in case', the word 혹시 by itself is often used as a polite 'softener' at the start of a request to make it sound less demanding.
- If you are being extremely cautious, you might add the word 설마 (seolma) to your sentence, which adds a sense of 'it is unlikely, but still…'.
Examples in context
- 만약에 비가 올까봐 우산을 챙겨 갔어요.I brought an umbrella just in case it rains.
- 혹시 지갑을 잃어버렸을지도 몰라서 모든 카드를 잠가두었어요.Just in case I lost my wallet, I locked all my cards.
- 만일을 위해서 우산을 가져가세요.man-il-eul wi-hae-seo u-san-eul ga-jyeo-ga-se-yo.Take an umbrella just in case.
- 만일을 위해서 미리 확인했어요.man-il-eul wi-hae-seo mi-ri hwa-gin-hae-sseo-yo.I checked in advance just in case.
- 만일을 위해서 돈을 좀 챙겼어요.man-il-eul wi-hae-seo don-eul jom chaeng-gyeot-eo-yo.I packed some money just in case.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are preparing for a hiking trip.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 구급상자 챙겼어요?Hyeon-u ssi, gugeupsangja chaeng-gyeosseoyo?Hyunwoo, did you pack the first aid kit?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 가방에 넣었어요.ne, gabange neoeosseoyo.Yes, I put it in the bag.
- 민지 Min-ji만일을 위해서 물도 더 가져가요.man-ireul wi-haeseo muldo deo gajyeogayo.Let's take more water just in case.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 지금 챙길게요.joayo. jigeum chaenggilgeyo.Good idea. I'll pack it now.
