概
outline, condition, approximation, generally
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
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.