总的来说
zǒng de láishuō
Overall or in summary · trad. 總的來說
总的来说 (zǒngde láishuō) is a common phrase used to introduce a summary or a general conclusion. It acts as a connector, signaling that the speaker is about to provide an overall perspective or wrap up a discussion.
What does 总的来说 (zǒng de láishuō) mean?
总的来说 (zǒng de láishuō) means “overall or in summary” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “overall to say.”
When to use it
Neutral and versatile. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, often used in presentations, meetings, or everyday conversations when summarizing points. For a slightly more formal feel, use 总体来说 (zǒngtǐ láishuō).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “DZONG-duh LIE-shwor.” The first syllable has a third tone, the second is light, and the third and fourth are second and first tones respectively.
Other ways to say it
- 总体来说zǒngtǐ láishuōoverall speaking (slightly more formal)
- 简单来说jiǎndān láishuōsimply put / in simple terms
- 总之zǒngzhīin short / in a word
Examples
总的来说，今天的会议很成功。
zǒng de láishuō, jīntiān de huìyì hěn chénggōng.
Overall, today's meeting was very successful.
总的来说，我们对这个结果很满意。
zǒng de láishuō, wǒmen duì zhège jiéguǒ hěn mǎnyì.
In summary, we are very satisfied with this result.
总的来说，这份报告写得很好，但还需要一些细节。
zǒng de láishuō, zhè fèn bàogào xiě de hěn hǎo, dàn hái xūyào yīxiē xìjié.
Overall, this report is well-written, but still needs some details.
Pro tip: Place 总的来说 at the beginning of a sentence or clause to clearly signal you are about to give a summary or a general conclusion, rather than just another point.
Related phrases
换句话说 · In other words具体来说 · To be specific我们下次再讨论 · Let's discuss it next time
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