Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Generally" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "generally", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
押し並べて
おしなべて (oshinabete)
N2 / 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 押し並べて and 概して.
In Japanese, 押し並べて (おしなべて (oshinabete)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "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.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、今年の作物は豊作だった。" (Meaning: "Generally, this year's crops were abundant.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "押し並べて" fits here because it means "generally; on the whole; by and large; universally" in the context of: "Generally, this year's crops were abundant.". "概して" represents "generally, on the whole, by and large".