Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of considering something in its entirety, rather than focusing on individual parts.
To talk about something in its entirety, without focusing on individual parts.
The most common and neutral way to say 'as a whole'. It means considering the entire thing or situation.
この計画は全体としてうまくいっている。
This plan is going well as a whole.
全体として、会議は成功だった。
As a whole, the meeting was a success.
To refer to a group or collection considered as a single entity.
全体として is more common when making a judgment about the whole. 全体的に is often used to describe a general state or tendency. They are often interchangeable, but 全体として can sound slightly more deliberate.
全体として、この映画は面白かった。
As a whole, this movie was interesting.
全体的に、この映画は暗い雰囲気だ。
As a whole, this movie has a dark atmosphere.
Do not translate 'as a whole' word-for-word as 全体のように or similar. Use the set phrases above.
Similar to 全体として, but slightly more adverbial. Often used to describe a general tendency or overall impression.
全体的に、このレストランの料理はおいしい。
As a whole, the food at this restaurant is delicious.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'on the whole' or 'generally'. Often used in reports or essays.
今年の業績は総じて良好だった。
This year's performance was good as a whole.
A noun meaning 'the whole' or 'entirety'. Can be used with particles like の or を.
社会全体の問題だ。
It's a problem for society as a whole.
クラス全体が静かになった。
The class as a whole became quiet.
Refers to the whole area or scope of something. Often used in phrases like 全般的に (generally).
この問題は教育全般に関わる。
This issue concerns education as a whole.