Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Generally" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "generally", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大体
だいたい (daitai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
概して
がいして (gaishite)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "generally" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大体 and 概して.
In Japanese, 大体 (だいたい (daitai)) is typically associated with "generally, mostly, approximately, about" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can indicate approximate quantity/time.
On the other hand, 概して (がいして (gaishite)) maps to "generally, on the whole, by and large" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used when making a general statement or observation that is true for the most part, though there might be exceptions. Similar to 「一般的に言って」 or 「全体的に見て」.. A literal translation of "generally" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大体"
宿題はもう大体終わりました。
I've mostly finished my homework.
Bilingual Context for "概して"
概して、この地域の住民は親切だ。
Generally, the residents of this area are kind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "宿題はもう ＿＿＿ 終わりました。" (Meaning: "I've mostly finished my homework.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大体" fits here because it means "generally, mostly, approximately, about" in the context of: "I've mostly finished my homework.". "概して" represents "generally, on the whole, by and large".