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.
This plan is going well as a whole.
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.
As a whole, this movie was interesting.
As a whole, the meeting was a success.
Similar to 全体として, but slightly more adverbial. Often used to describe a general tendency or overall impression.
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.
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.
It's a problem for society as a whole.
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).
This issue concerns education as a whole.
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.