つまり
tsumari
The Japanese phrase for "I mean" is つまり (tsumari).
つまり is used to rephrase a previous statement to make it clearer or to summarize a point.
Meaning: used to correct an error (particle)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, つまり means "in short" or "in other words".
Which one should you use?
In English, "I mean" is often used to correct a slip of the tongue or a factual error. However, つまり is primarily used for rephrasing or summarizing rather than correcting a factual error mid-sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
tsumari
Did you know?
- The word つまり is a homonym that can also mean 'clogged' or 'blocked' when referring to a pipe or a nose.
- In anime and manga, characters who are overly logical or 'robotic' often start their sentences with つまり to signal they have reached a conclusion.
- If you use つまり too frequently in a conversation, it can make you sound as though you are lecturing the listener or being overly repetitive rather than just clarifying.
Examples in context
- 私たちの目標は、まずチームの効率を上げることです。つまり、より迅速で効果的なプロジェクトの実施が必要です。Our goal is to increase team efficiency. I mean, we need to implement projects more quickly and effectively.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- 蓮 Ren土曜日は忙しいということ？Doyoubi wa isogashii to iu koto?Do you mean you're busy on Saturday?
- 結衣 Yuiつまり、午後しか空いてないんです。Tsumari, gogo shika aite nai n desu.I mean, I'm only free in the afternoon.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、午後から会おうか。Jaa, gogo kara aou ka.Then, shall we meet from the afternoon?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、それでお願いします。Hai, sore de onegai shimasu.Yes, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry つまり, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
