ざっと

ざっと
adverb
roughly, approximately
1. roughly, approximately
Without precise details; in round numbers.
ざっと100(にん)
Roughly 100 people.
ざっと見積(みつ)もって50(まん)(えん)くらいかかる。
Roughly estimated, it will cost about 500,000 yen.
ざっと計算(けいさん)しても、費用(ひよう)予算(よさん)()えている。
Even with a rough calculation, the cost exceeds the budget.
2. quickly, briefly
Looking at or doing something in a superficial manner.
ざっと()(とお)す。
To skim through.
ざっと説明(せつめい)する。
To explain briefly.
書類(しょるい)にざっと()(とお)したが、(とく)問題(もんだい)はなさそうだ。
I skimmed through the documents, and there don't seem to be any particular problems.

ざっと indicates doing something roughly, quickly, or approximately — without going into detail.

TWO MAIN USES:

1. APPROXIMATION:

  • ざっと(ひゃく)(にん): roughly a hundred people
  • ざっと三万円(さんまんえん): approximately 30,000 yen
  • ざっと見積(みつも)もって: roughly estimating

2. QUICK/CURSORY ACTION:

  • ざっと()る: to glance at, to skim
  • ざっと()(とお)す: to skim through
  • ざっと説明(せつめい)する: to explain briefly
  • ざっと(あら)う: to rinse quickly

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ざっと: roughly, quickly (cursory)
  • だいたい: roughly, approximately (more common)
  • おおよそ: approximately (slightly formal)