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Kotomora

概

outline, condition, approximation, generally

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • ガイ

Kun'yomi

  • おおむ.ね

Meaning

概 centers on the broad, overall shape of something rather than its fine details: an outline, a general condition, or a rough approximation.

Most common words using 概

20 of 60
  • 概念がいねん
    N1

    general idea; concept; notion

  • 概要がいよう
    N1

    outline; summary; overview; synopsis; abstract; abridgment; abridgement

  • 概ねおおむね
    N1

    in general; generally; mostly; roughly; largely; mainly; on the whole; by and large

  • 大概たいがい
    N1

    generally; mainly; usually; normally; mostly; for the most part

  • 概略がいりゃく
    N1

    outline; summary; gist; in brief

  • 一概にいちがいに
    N1

    unconditionally; as a rule

  • 気概きがい

    strong spirit; mettle; backbone; guts; fighting spirit

  • 概がい

    appearance; look; aspect

  • 概算がいさん

    approximation; rough estimate; ballpark figure

  • 概してがいして

    generally; as a rule

  • 概観がいかん

    general view; outline

  • 概況がいきょう

    outlook; general situation

  • 概論がいろん
    N2

    introduction; outline; general remarks

  • 概説がいせつ
    N1

    overview; outline; rough summary

  • 概念的がいねんてき

    general; conceptual

  • 概括がいかつ

    summary; generalization; generalisation

  • 梗概こうがい

    outline; summary; abstract

  • 新概念しんがいねん

    new concept

  • 既成概念きせいがいねん

    stereotype; preconceived idea; preconceived notion

  • 一般概念いっぱんがいねん

    general idea

Explore all words using 概 →

Study

Etymology

概 combines 木 (tree/wood) with 既, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of 'already' or 'completed', suggesting a wooden leveling tool used to smooth or even out grain, giving the sense of a general standard or outline.

Meaning mnemonic

A wooden (木) tool is used to level a pile of grain, leaving only the general outline (既 suggests 'already' done). Think of scraping off the excess to see the rough shape: that's the outline or approximation.

Reading mnemonic

For ガイ, imagine a guy using a wooden level to smooth out a rough outline: guy -> ガイ, and he's getting the general shape right.