全体的に
zentaiteki ni
The English word 'overall' can be translated into Japanese as 全体的に (zentaiteki ni).
全体的に is a common and straightforward way to say 'overall' in Japanese.
Meaning: generally (adv)
Which one should you use?
概して carries a formal tone and is often used in written language to mean 'in general' or 'by and large.' 大まかに is used to express a rough or general assessment of something in an informal way.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle に to the adjective form 全体的 turns it into an adverb used to describe how something is in its entirety.
How do you pronounce it?
zentaiteki ni
Did you know?
- The word 全体 in 全体的に literally means 'all bodies' or 'whole body', stemming from the kanji for 'entirety' and 'body'.
- The phrase 大まかに shares a root with the word for 'big' or 'large', suggesting that an 'overall' view is literally a 'large' or 'coarse' one.
- When discussing long-term trends or patterns, the word 総じて (sōjite) is preferred over 全体的に to indicate a conclusion drawn 'on the whole'.
Examples in context
- 全体的に、プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。Overall, the project is progressing smoothly.
- 概して、国民の幸福度は高いです。Overall, the happiness level of the citizens is high.
- この映画は総じて評価が高いです。On the whole, this movie has received high ratings.
- 彼の話は大まかに理解できました。I could understand his story overall.
- 全体的に、結果は満足のいくものでした。Overall, the results were satisfactory.
- 総じて、彼女の調査報告は非常に詳細でした。Overall, her research report was very detailed.
- 大体の意見は一致していました。Overall, the opinions were in agreement.
- 全体的に、この料理は美味しいです。Zentaiteki ni, kono ryouri wa oishii desu.Overall, this food is delicious.
- 試験の結果は、全体的に良かったです。Shiken no kekka wa, zentaiteki ni yokatta desu.Overall, the exam results were good.
Example conversation
The two are discussing a painting they just finished.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、この絵はどうかな？Himari, kono e wa dou kana?Himari, what do you think of this painting?
- 陽葵 Himari全体的にいい感じだよ、大翔。Zentaiteki ni ii kanji dayo, Hiroto.It feels good overall, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に？どこか変なところはない？Hontou ni? Dokoka hen na tokoro wa nai?Really? Is there anything strange about it?
- 陽葵 Himari特にないと思うよ。Tokuni nai to omou yo.I don't think so.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
