Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Generally" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "generally", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一般に
いっぱんに (ippan ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
押し並べて
おしなべて (oshinabete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "generally" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一般に and 押し並べて.
In Japanese, 一般に (いっぱんに (ippan ni)) is typically associated with "generally, in general, commonly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to state a common truth or widely accepted fact..
On the other hand, 押し並べて (おしなべて (oshinabete)) maps to "generally; on the whole; by and large; universally" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when stating a general tendency or characteristic, implying that it applies to almost everything or everyone in a group, with few exceptions.. A literal translation of "generally" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一般に"
一般に、夏はアイスクリームがよく売れる。
Generally, ice cream sells well in summer.
Bilingual Context for "押し並べて"
押し並べて、今年の作物は豊作だった。
Generally, this year's crops were abundant.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、夏はアイスクリームがよく売れる。" (Meaning: "Generally, ice cream sells well in summer.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一般に" fits here because it means "generally, in general, commonly" in the context of: "Generally, ice cream sells well in summer.". "押し並べて" represents "generally; on the whole; by and large; universally".