Overall, it helps you summarize a situation by focusing on the general impression rather than specific details.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe the overall trend of something.
- Refers to the big picture rather than specific details.
- Commonly used when giving feedback or summarizing a situation.
概要
「全体的に」は、個々の細かい点にこだわらず、全体を俯瞰（ふかん）した時の傾向や状態を指す副詞です。物事のバランスや、あるグループ全体の性質を評価する際によく用いられます。2) 使用パターン: 文頭または動詞の前に置かれることが一般的です。「全体的に見て〜だ」「全体的に〜な印象がある」といった形で、客観的な意見や感想を述べる際に非常に重宝されます。3) 一般的な文脈: ビジネスの報告書やプレゼンテーションで「全体的な進捗状況」を説明する際や、日常会話で「全体的に（料理の味や雰囲気など）どうだった？」と感想を言い合う際に頻出します。4) 類語との比較: 「概して（がいして）」はより硬い表現で、論理的な結論を導く際に使われます。「大体（だいたい）」はより口語的で、数値や時間の概算にも使えます。「全体的に」はその中間的な立ち位置で、主観的な評価と客観的な状況説明の両方に使いやすい万能な言葉です。
Examples
全体的に見て、今日の会議は成功だった。
everydayOverall, today's meeting was a success.
全体的に、売上は昨年度を上回っております。
formalOverall, sales have exceeded those of the previous fiscal year.
この服、全体的にちょっと大きいね。
informalThis outfit is a bit too big overall.
全体的に、データには一貫性が見られる。
academicOverall, consistency is observed in the data.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
全体的に見て
taking everything into account
全体的な傾向
overall trend
全体的に言えば
generally speaking
Often Confused With
This is more formal and often used in written reports or academic contexts. It implies a logical deduction based on facts.
This is more colloquial and can also refer to rough estimates of numbers or time. It lacks the sense of 'balanced evaluation' that '全体的に' has.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It is a versatile adverb that works well in both casual and formal settings. It is most frequently used to introduce a summary or a subjective evaluation. Be careful not to use it when you need to be extremely specific about data points.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often place it at the end of a sentence, but it should come before the verb or adjective it modifies. Some learners confuse it with '全部' (all/everything), but remember '全体的に' focuses on a general tendency.
Tips
Use for summary statements
Start your sentences with '全体的に' to provide a clear summary before diving into specific details. This helps the listener understand your overall stance immediately.
Avoid overusing in formal writing
While common, in very formal academic papers, consider using '総じて' or '概して' to sound more professional and precise.
Japanese preference for nuance
Japanese speakers often use '全体的に' to soften criticism. It acts as a buffer before pointing out specific negative aspects.
Word Origin
Derived from '全体' (zen-tai: whole body/entirety) and the suffix '-teki' (like/characteristic of), turning it into an adverbial phrase.
Cultural Context
Japanese communication often values harmony and indirectness. Using '全体的に' allows speakers to provide feedback that is balanced and less blunt than focusing on a single negative detail.
Memory Tip
Think of '全体' as 'whole body' and '的に' as 'like'. So, 'overall' is like looking at the whole body of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「大体」は量や時間が概算である場合にも使えますが、「全体的に」は全体のバランスや傾向に焦点を当てます。ニュアンスとして「全体的に」の方が少し丁寧な響きがあります。
文頭に置いて「全体的に、〜です」とすると、その後の文全体を修飾するので非常に自然です。また、形容詞の直前（例：全体的に良い）に置くことも一般的です。
はい、非常によく使われます。報告書などで「全体的に見ると、売上は好調です」といったように、要点を簡潔に伝える際に適しています。
使えます。「全体的に良くない」と言えば、部分的には良いところがあっても、総合的には悪いという評価になります。
Test Yourself
このプロジェクトは___順調に進んでいます。
プロジェクト全体の状況を述べているため、「全体的に」が最も適しています。
全体的に良い結果でした。
全体的にとは、部分の集合体としての総合的な評価を指します。
（印象・全体的に・良い・この・は・お店）
主語である「このお店は」が先頭に来るのが自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Overall, it helps you summarize a situation by focusing on the general impression rather than specific details.
- Used to describe the overall trend of something.
- Refers to the big picture rather than specific details.
- Commonly used when giving feedback or summarizing a situation.
Use for summary statements
Start your sentences with '全体的に' to provide a clear summary before diving into specific details. This helps the listener understand your overall stance immediately.
Avoid overusing in formal writing
While common, in very formal academic papers, consider using '総じて' or '概して' to sound more professional and precise.
Japanese preference for nuance
Japanese speakers often use '全体的に' to soften criticism. It acts as a buffer before pointing out specific negative aspects.
Examples
4 of 4全体的に見て、今日の会議は成功だった。
Overall, today's meeting was a success.
全体的に、売上は昨年度を上回っております。
Overall, sales have exceeded those of the previous fiscal year.
この服、全体的にちょっと大きいね。
This outfit is a bit too big overall.
全体的に、データには一貫性が見られる。
Overall, consistency is observed in the data.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
