Expressions · N4–N3
とりあえず: for now / first of all
A useful word for taking a provisional first step before deciding everything.
In short
とりあえず marks an action as the practical thing to do first or for the time being. It can reduce decision pressure: とりあえず始めましょう, “Let’s start for now.”
How it works
In restaurants, とりあえずビール became a stereotyped phrase because it means ordering a first, obvious choice before deciding the rest.
Useful contrast
It does not necessarily mean careless or temporary; it frames priorities in the current moment.
Examples
とりあえず座りましょう。
Let’s sit down for now.
とりあえず確認します。
I will check it first for now.
Common pitfall
Do not translate it as “anyway” in every context. “For now”, “first”, or “to start with” is often better.