Definition: Toriaezu (とりあえず) translates roughly to ‘for now,’ ‘anyway,’ or ‘first of all.’ It is the ultimate expression of the Japanese preference for immediate, low-stakes action to get the ball rolling.
If you spend more than an hour in a Japanese izakaya, you will inevitably hear a salaryman shout to the server: ‘Toriaezu, biiru!’ (For now, beer!). This isn’t just about ordering a drink; it is a cultural ritual. In Japan, the act of starting the night with a ‘preliminary’ round of drinks is so ingrained that the phrase has become synonymous with the beginning of social connection.
Having lived in Tokyo for years, I’ve realized that toriaezu is essentially the linguistic lubricant of Japanese society. It allows people to avoid making heavy, final decisions. Instead of committing to an entire three-course meal or a night-long agenda, you use toriaezu to buy yourself time. It’s a way of saying, ‘Let’s address the immediate need so we can move forward.’
Friend: ‘What do you want to eat for dinner?’
You: ‘Toriaezu, nani ka tabeyou.’ (For now, let’s just eat something.)
This is classic Japanese ambiguity. It keeps the atmosphere light and avoids the potential awkwardness of someone disagreeing with a specific plan right off the bat.
The Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
The biggest error learners make is using toriaezu as a direct equivalent to ‘anyway’ in English. While it functions as a transition, it carries a heavy implication of ‘prioritizing the immediate.’ If you use it in a professional meeting to mean ‘anyway’ while dismissing someone’s point, you might sound dismissive or impatient. Always ensure you are using it to facilitate progress, not to cut someone off.
Pro-Tip: Use toriaezu when you feel overwhelmed by a long menu or a complex list of tasks. Saying ‘Toriaezu, kore ni shimasu’ (For now, I’ll go with this) signals that you are making a practical, temporary choice. It’s a stress-reliever for both you and your listener.
Slang Variations and Nuance
In casual, younger circles, you might hear toriaezu shortened or modified to emphasize the ‘let’s just get this over with’ vibe. While not exactly slang, the frequency with which it is attached to ‘toriaezu demo’ (even if just for now) shows how deeply it anchors the Japanese mindset. It is the antithesis of the ‘analysis paralysis’ that plagues many Western decision-making processes.
For more insights on how to navigate the conversational flow, you might want to look at why yappari defines the Japanese mindset or how to properly read the room with the art of sontaku. Master these, and you’ll be speaking with the nuance of a local in no time.
