Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Generally" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "generally", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一般的に
いっぱんてきに (ippanteki 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 一般的に and 押し並べて.
In Japanese, 一般的に (いっぱんてきに (ippanteki ni)) is typically associated with "generally, commonly, ordinarily" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Adverbial form of 一般的.
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 "一般的に"
一般的に、日本の夏は蒸し暑いです。
Generally, Japanese summers are hot and humid.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、日本の夏は蒸し暑いです。" (Meaning: "Generally, Japanese summers are hot and humid.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一般的に" fits here because it means "generally, commonly, ordinarily" in the context of: "Generally, Japanese summers are hot and humid.". "押し並べて" represents "generally; on the whole; by and large; universally".