vạn nhất
Definition
- Adverb:
- In the extremely unlikely event that; if by any remote chance; if the one-in-ten-thousand chance occurs. Used to introduce a hypothetical scenario that is considered highly improbable or a last-resort possibility.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Vạn nhất trời mưa, chúng ta sẽ hoãn chuyến đi. (In the extremely unlikely event it rains, we will postpone the trip.)
- Hãy cất số điện thoại này, vạn nhất bạn cần giúp đỡ. (Keep this phone number, if by any remote chance you need help.)
- Vạn nhất anh ấy không đồng ý thì sao? (What if, against all odds, he doesn't agree?)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contingency planning or warning about worst-case scenarios. It carries a stronger sense of improbability than simple conditional words like "nếu" (if).
- It can be used at the beginning of a clause or sentence to set up the hypothetical condition.
Variants and Related Words
- Phòng vạn nhất (v): To prepare for a remote contingency.
- Chúng ta nên có kế hoạch dự phòng để phòng vạn nhất. (We should have a backup plan to prepare for any remote contingency.)
Synonyms
- In case: Providing for a possibility.
- If by any chance: Introducing a slight possibility.
- Lest: To avoid the risk of (more formal/literary).
Related Idioms
- Vạn bất đắc dĩ: As an absolute last resort; only when every other option is exhausted.
- Phương án này chỉ dùng trong tình huống vạn bất đắc dĩ. (This option is only for use as an absolute last resort.)