It is a versatile transitional phrase used to wrap up details into a general conclusion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to summarize or give a general evaluation of a topic.
- Equivalent to 'generally speaking' or 'on the whole' in English.
- Commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
常见语境：在评价电影、书籍、工作表现或总结会议要点时经常使用。它能帮助说话者在给出许多细节后，给听者一个清晰的总体印象。
- 1同类词比较：‘总之’ (zǒngzhī) 通常更短促，常用于逻辑推论的结尾；‘综上所述’ (zòngshàng suǒshù) 则非常正式，多见于学术论文或正式报告的结尾；‘大体上’ (dàtǐshàng) 侧重于‘绝大部分情况下’，而‘总的来说’更侧重于‘整体评价’。
Examples
总的来说，这次面试我的表现还算满意。
everydayOn the whole, I am quite satisfied with my performance in this interview.
总的来说，该年度的销售额增长了百分之十。
formalGenerally speaking, the sales volume for this year increased by ten percent.
虽然天气不好，但总的来说我们玩得很开心。
informalAlthough the weather was bad, overall we had a great time.
总的来说，本文的研究结果具有重要的理论意义。
academicIn conclusion, the research results of this paper have significant theoretical importance.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
总的来说，我认为...
Generally speaking, I think...
总的来说，情况在好转。
Overall, the situation is improving.
Often Confused With
'总之' is more concise and often used to end a list of reasons or arguments; '总的来说' is more about general perspective.
'大体上' means 'mostly' or 'in the main', focusing on the proportion of facts being true, rather than a summary of opinion.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in register, making it suitable for both casual conversations and professional writing. It functions as a sentence adverbial. In spoken Chinese, it is often used to stall for time while the speaker formulates a final opinion.
Common Mistakes
English speakers sometimes forget the 'de' (的) or the 'shuo' (说), saying only 'zong lái' which is incorrect. Another mistake is using it to mean 'totally' (as in 'total amount'), where '一共' (yīgòng) should be used instead.
Tips
Use it to balance pros and cons
When you have listed both good and bad points, use this phrase to provide your final verdict.
Avoid overusing in a single paragraph
Using it too many times can make your writing feel repetitive. Try synonyms like '总之' or '概括而言'.
Holistic thinking in Chinese culture
Chinese communication often values a holistic summary after discussing specific details, making this a very natural phrase.
Word Origin
Composed of '总' (general/total), the possessive/adjectival marker '的', and '来说' (speaking from the perspective of).
Cultural Context
Reflects the Chinese linguistic tendency to provide a 'big picture' summary after discussing individual components.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Zǒng' as 'Total', 'de' as a connector, and 'lái shuō' as 'to speak of'. So, 'Speaking of the total/whole'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不可以。它通常作为状语放在句首或分句的开头，用来引导后面的总结性陈述。
‘总之’更加简洁、语气稍重，常用于概括上文的要点；‘总的来说’语气更平缓，常用于表达整体的看法或印象。
可以。它虽然也常用于口语，但在商务邮件、新闻报道和一般性文章中也是完全合格的表达。
不一样。‘总的’通常作为形容词修饰名词（如‘总的目标’），而‘总的来说’是一个完整的短语，用于引导句子。
Test Yourself
虽然有些小问题，但___，这次活动办得很成功。
此处需要一个表示整体评价的短语，‘总的来说’最符合语境。
选择最自然的句子：
‘总的来说’通常用于引导对事物的整体评价，C项符合此用法。
表现 / 他的 / 来说 / 挺好的 / 总的
‘总的来说’既可以放在句首，也可以放在主语之后。
Score: /3
Summary
It is a versatile transitional phrase used to wrap up details into a general conclusion.
- Used to summarize or give a general evaluation of a topic.
- Equivalent to 'generally speaking' or 'on the whole' in English.
- Commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Use it to balance pros and cons
When you have listed both good and bad points, use this phrase to provide your final verdict.
Avoid overusing in a single paragraph
Using it too many times can make your writing feel repetitive. Try synonyms like '总之' or '概括而言'.
Holistic thinking in Chinese culture
Chinese communication often values a holistic summary after discussing specific details, making this a very natural phrase.
Examples
4 of 4总的来说，这次面试我的表现还算满意。
On the whole, I am quite satisfied with my performance in this interview.
总的来说，该年度的销售额增长了百分之十。
Generally speaking, the sales volume for this year increased by ten percent.
虽然天气不好，但总的来说我们玩得很开心。
Although the weather was bad, overall we had a great time.
总的来说，本文的研究结果具有重要的理论意义。
In conclusion, the research results of this paper have significant theoretical importance.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
