Translation guide
Expresses a general assessment or overall tendency, often contrasting with specific details or exceptions.
全体的に、賛成です。
On the whole, I agree.
To state that something is true in most cases or as a general rule, without focusing on exceptions.
A common, neutral way to say 'on the whole' or 'overall'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
全体的に、今年の夏は涼しかった。
On the whole, this summer was cool.
全体的に見て、計画はうまくいっている。
On the whole, the plan is going well.
Slightly more formal and often used in writing or presentations. Means 'generally' or 'on the whole'.
概して、日本の夏は蒸し暑い。
On the whole, Japanese summers are humid.
Formal, often used in reports or analyses. Similar to 'all in all' or 'on the whole'.
総じて、今年の業績は良好だった。
On the whole, this year's performance was good.
Very common in casual speech. Means 'mostly' or 'on the whole', but can also mean 'about' or 'roughly'. Context clarifies the meaning.
だいたい、彼の言うことは正しい。
On the whole, what he says is correct.
Somewhat formal, used in both speech and writing. Means 'by and large' or 'on the whole'.
おおむね、計画は順調に進んでいる。
On the whole, the plan is progressing smoothly.
To weigh both positive and negative aspects and give a balanced overall judgment.
Literally 'looking at it comprehensively'. Used when evaluating multiple factors.
総合的に見て、この大学が一番良いと思う。
On the whole, I think this university is the best.
Means 'as a whole' or 'on the whole'. Neutral and widely usable.
全体として、この映画は面白かった。
On the whole, this movie was interesting.
Similar to 'in the end' or 'after all'. Emphasizes the final conclusion after consideration.
結局のところ、彼は来なかった。
On the whole, he didn't come.
全体的に is the most common and neutral. 概して is slightly formal and often used in writing. 総じて is formal and used in reports or analyses. In casual speech, だいたい is often used instead.
全体的に、この店の料理は美味しい。
On the whole, the food at this restaurant is delicious.
概して、若者は新しい技術に適応するのが早い。
On the whole, young people adapt to new technology quickly.
総じて、今年度の売上は前年を上回った。
On the whole, this year's sales exceeded last year's.
The English phrase 'on the whole' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the phrases provided instead. Avoid literal translations like 全体の上で (ぜんたいのうえで), which is unnatural.
全体的に、プロジェクトは成功だった。
On the whole, the project was a success.