1.
in short, in other words, basically
Used to summarize or rephrase what has been said in a simpler or more direct way.
要するに、賛成なの？
In short, are you for it?
要するに、お金が足りないんです。
Basically, we don't have enough money.
要するに、彼は来ないということだ。
In short, he's not coming.
長い説明だったけど、要するに何が言いたいの？
That was a long explanation, but in short, what are you trying to say?
色々と理由を挙げていたが、要するに自分はやりたくないということだろう。
He listed various reasons, but in short, he probably just doesn't want to do it himself.
要するに is a sentence-initial expression meaning "in short" or "basically." It introduces a summary or simplification of what was previously said.
ETYMOLOGY:
From 要する (to require/to be essential) + に. Literally: "if you get to the essential point."
POSITION:
Always at the beginning of a clause. Typically followed by a comma in writing.
USAGE NOTES:
- Used to cut through complexity and get to the main point
- Can sound slightly impatient when used in conversation (implying "stop rambling")
- Perfectly natural in both spoken and written Japanese
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- つまり: in other words, that is to say (rephrasing, not necessarily summarizing)
- 結局: after all, in the end (emphasizes the final outcome)
- 簡単に言えば: to put it simply (more polite framing)
- 要は: same meaning as 要するに (shorter, slightly more casual)
Related Words
Synonym:
つまり (in other words)