Translation guide
How to summarize or conclude a point in Japanese, from casual conversation to formal writing.
To give a brief statement of the main points, often at the end of a discussion or explanation.
Common in spoken and written Japanese. Means 'in short' or 'to sum up'. Used to wrap up a point concisely.
To calculate the total of numbers or amounts.
Transitive verb meaning 'to total' or 'to sum up' numbers. Used in everyday contexts.
要するに is used to give a concise conclusion, often implying 'the point is'. まとめると is more neutral and simply introduces a summary. In formal writing, 要するに can sound slightly abrupt; まとめると or 結論として are safer.
To sum up, he's not coming.
To sum up, the plan was a failure.
Literally 'if I summarize'. Very natural in both speech and writing when you are about to give a summary.
To sum up, there are three problems.
Means 'in other words' or 'that is to say'. Often used to rephrase or conclude, slightly more casual than 要するに.
To sum up, it means we need more time.
Formal expression meaning 'in conclusion'. Suitable for presentations, essays, or formal speeches.
To sum up, this policy is effective.
Please sum up the expenses.
Basic verb for 'to add'. Often used in math or casual talk about adding numbers.
If you sum up these numbers, the total is 100.
まとめると、三つの理由が挙げられる。
To sum up, three reasons can be given.