B2 Expression Formal 2 min read

結論として

ketsuron to shite

In conclusion

Literally: As a conclusion

In 15 Seconds

  • Signals you are about to state your final point.
  • Perfect for summarizing long stories or business presentations.
  • Acts as a verbal 'TL;DR' for your listeners.

Meaning

It is like saying 'The bottom line is' or 'To wrap things up.' You use it when you have explained a lot of details and want to deliver your final point clearly.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

In a business meeting

結論として、このプランを採用すべきだと思います。

In conclusion, I think we should adopt this plan.

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2

Explaining a long story to a friend

結論として、あの店はもう行かないかな。

In conclusion, I probably won't go to that shop again.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Texting a group about a trip

結論として、集合時間は8時でいい?

In conclusion, is 8:00 AM okay for the meeting time?

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🌍

Cultural Background

In Japanese business, being too direct can be seen as aggressive. Using this phrase helps soften the blow by framing it as a logical conclusion rather than a personal demand.

🎯

The Pause

Always pause briefly after saying {結論として|けつろんとして} to let your audience prepare for the main point.

In 15 Seconds

  • Signals you are about to state your final point.
  • Perfect for summarizing long stories or business presentations.
  • Acts as a verbal 'TL;DR' for your listeners.

What It Means

Think of 結論として as your verbal 'TL;DR' button. It tells your listener, 'Okay, I’ve said a lot, but here is the most important part.' It comes from 結論 (conclusion) and として (as). Together, they signal that you are moving from the details to the final verdict. It is a powerful way to focus everyone's attention.

How To Use It

You usually place this right at the start of your final sentence. It acts as a bridge between your reasoning and your decision. In Japanese, people often provide a lot of context before getting to the point. This phrase is the signal that the 'point' has finally arrived. You can use it in speech or writing. It sounds organized and thoughtful.

When To Use It

This is a superstar in business meetings. If you are presenting data, use it to state your final recommendation. It is also great for school essays or debates. Even in daily life, use it if you have been rambling about a long story. It helps your friends understand your main takeaway. Use it when you want to sound decisive and clear.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for very short, simple statements. If you just say 'I'm hungry,' you don't need a conclusion. It can feel a bit too 'heavy' or 'stiff' for a quick text to a best friend. If you use it too much, you might sound like a walking textbook. Don't use it if you haven't actually provided any reasoning yet. It needs something to conclude!

Cultural Background

Japanese communication often follows a style called *Kishōtenketsu*. This is a four-step structure where the 'conclusion' comes at the very end. Westerners often start with the point, but Japanese speakers build up to it. 結論として is the flag that says you have reached the final stage. It shows respect for the listener's patience by summarizing clearly.

Common Variations

If you want something slightly more casual, try 結局 (kekkyoku), which means 'after all.' For a logical summary, つまり (tsumari) works well to mean 'in other words.' If you are in a very formal setting, you might hear 結びに (musubi ni). But for most situations, 結論として is your most reliable and versatile tool.

Usage Notes

It sits comfortably in the 'neutral to formal' range. While it's great for business, using it in casual speech adds a layer of clarity (or mock-seriousness).

🎯

The Pause

Always pause briefly after saying {結論として|けつろんとして} to let your audience prepare for the main point.

Examples

6
#1 In a business meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

結論として、このプランを採用すべきだと思います。

In conclusion, I think we should adopt this plan.

A classic way to end a professional proposal.

#2 Explaining a long story to a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

結論として、あの店はもう行かないかな。

In conclusion, I probably won't go to that shop again.

Summarizes a bad experience at a restaurant.

#3 Texting a group about a trip
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

結論として、集合時間は8時でいい?

In conclusion, is 8:00 AM okay for the meeting time?

Wraps up a long group chat discussion.

#4 A humorous take on a bad date
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

結論として、彼は宇宙人だったのかもしれない。

In conclusion, he might have been an alien.

Using a formal phrase for a ridiculous summary.

#5 Expressing feelings to a partner
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結論として、私はあなたと一緒にいたいです。

In conclusion, I want to be with you.

Adds weight and sincerity to a heartfelt statement.

#6 Discussing a movie
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

結論として、映像は綺麗だったけど話は微妙だった。

In conclusion, the visuals were pretty but the story was meh.

Provides a balanced final verdict.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

______, we need to change the plan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 結論として

It is the only formal transition phrase provided.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank B1

______, we need to change the plan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 結論として

It is the only formal transition phrase provided.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is excellent for professional emails.

Related Phrases

🔄

要するに

synonym

In short

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