Translation guide
Used to indicate that a statement is generally true, with some exceptions. In Japanese, this is expressed through adverbs, set phrases, or sentence-ending patterns that convey 'mostly' or 'generally speaking'.
To say that something is true in most cases or for the most part, but not entirely.
A common adverb meaning 'mostly' or 'generally'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
大体の人は賛成です。
For the most part, people agree.
仕事は大体終わりました。
I've finished the work for the most part.
A slightly more formal adverb meaning 'generally' or 'for the most part'. Common in written language and formal speech.
計画は概ね順調です。
The plan is going well for the most part.
Literally 'almost', but can be used to mean 'for the most part' when followed by a positive statement. Be careful: when used with a negative, it means 'hardly'.
When used with a negative verb, ほとんど means 'hardly' or 'barely', not 'for the most part'.
宿題はほとんど終わった。
I've finished my homework for the most part.
A somewhat literary or formal word meaning 'mostly' or 'the greater part'. Often used in written language.
大方の予想は外れた。
For the most part, the predictions were wrong.
To summarize a situation or give a general assessment, often used at the beginning of a sentence.
A phrase meaning 'looking at it overall' or 'on the whole'. Used to introduce a general statement.
全体的に見て、このプロジェクトは成功だった。
For the most part, this project was a success.
An adverb meaning 'generally' or 'on the whole'. Slightly formal.
概して、彼の意見は正しい。
For the most part, his opinion is correct.
A formal adverb meaning 'generally' or 'all in all'. Often used in written analysis.
To describe a habitual or typical situation.
Means 'usually' or 'normally'. Implies that something is true for the most part, but there may be exceptions.
普段は電車で通勤しています。
For the most part, I commute by train.
An adverb meaning 'mostly' or 'usually'. Very common in everyday speech.
彼は大抵遅刻する。
He is late for the most part.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'for the most part' in all contexts. Using a phrase like 「大部分のために」 would be unnatural. Instead, choose an adverb or phrase that matches the nuance of your sentence.
大体 (だいたい) means 'mostly' or 'roughly' and implies that some details may be missing or incomplete. ほとんど means 'almost' and emphasizes that a large portion is complete, but it can also mean 'hardly' when used with a negative verb. For 'for the most part', 大体 is often the safer choice.
大体あなたに同意します。
For the most part, I agree with you.
仕事は概ね終わりました。
The work is done for the most part.
総じて言えば、結果は良好だ。
For the most part, the results are good.