概して
がいして·gaishite
Meaning
generally; on the whole; as a rule; broadly speaking; in general
Nuance & Usage
概して is a formal adverb that qualifies a statement as being generally or broadly true, while acknowledging there may be exceptions. 概して言えば (broadly speaking), 概して良好だ (generally good), 概してこの傾向が見られる (this tendency is generally observed) are natural uses. It appears frequently in formal writing, academic papers, and news analysis. Unlike 一般的に (ippanteki ni — generally/commonly, neutral) and 大体 (daitai — mostly/roughly, casual), 概して carries a more formal and authoritative tone.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 概して with 大体 (daitai — mostly/roughly, casual), 一般的に (ippanteki ni — generally, neutral), and 総じて (soujite — altogether/on balance, similar formal register). 概して specifically introduces a broad generalization that holds true in most cases. 概して言えば (broadly speaking) is a very useful discourse opener. Don't use 概して in casual conversation — 大体 or 大抵 (taitei) are more natural. 概して正しい (broadly correct) is a common pattern.
Example Sentences (3)
概して、北の地域は南に比べて気温が低い傾向がある。
がいして、きたのちいきはみなみにくらべてきおんがひくいけいこうがある。
Generally speaking, northern regions tend to have lower temperatures compared to the south.
概して言えば、努力を続けた人ほど良い結果を得ている。
がいしていえば、どりょくをつづけたひとほどよいけっかをえている。
Broadly speaking, those who continue to make efforts tend to achieve better results.
概して、この種の実験では再現性が確保されにくいことが知られている。
がいして、このしゅのじっけんではさいげんせいがかくほされにくいことがしられている。
It is generally known that reproducibility is difficult to ensure in this type of experiment.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 概して with 4 different question types.
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