ひとまず

ひ

と

ま

ず

Common wordJLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

adverb

for now; for the time being; for the present

usually written using kana alone

Used when taking a temporary step, stopping point, or provisional judgment before dealing with the rest later.

今日きょうは遅おそいので、ひとまず帰かえりましょう。
It's late today, so let's go home for now.

その件けんはひとまず保ほ留りゅうにしておきます。

We'll put that matter on hold for the time being.

2

adverb

after a fashion; more or less; not quite satisfactorily

usually written using kana alone

Indicates that something has reached a minimally acceptable or provisional state, while implying it may still be incomplete or imperfect.

報ほう告こく書しょはひとまず書かき上あげたが、まだ直なおすところが多おおい。
I have finished writing the report after a fashion, but there is still a lot to fix.
料りょう理りはひとまず食たべられる味あじになった。
The dish has become edible, at least.

Written forms

ひとまずUsage94%
This adverb is usually written in kana; this is the most practical spelling for modern learners.
一ひと先まずUsage5%
Attested kanji spelling, but the word is usually written ひとまず in ordinary modern text.
一ひとまずUsage1%
Variant spelling given; not the usual modern spelling.
ひと先まず
Mixed kana-kanji spelling given; less common than ひとまず or 一先ず.
一ひと先まず
Kanji variant given; uncommon and potentially unclear without furigana or context.
一ひと先まず
Variant spelling given; rare in modern writing.

Kanji

一one, one radical (no.1)
先before, ahead, previous

Similar words

とりあえず
Also means 'for now' or 'first of all'; often more casual and can imply doing something as an immediate stopgap.
さしあたり
Means 'for the present' and is a little more formal or written-sounding than ひとまず.
一いち応おう
Often overlaps with the 'more or less' nuance, but more strongly suggests 'tentatively' or 'to some degree' depending on context.

Etymology

Probably analyzable in modern terms as ひと 'one' plus まず 'first; for now'; the kanji spelling 一先ず conventionally reflects that idea. The precise historical development is not specified.