総(そう)じて

そうじて

adverb

generally, on the whole, overall

1. generally, on the whole, overall, all in all

Used to make a general statement about a group, situation, or trend, acknowledging that individual cases may differ. Indicates a broad summary or assessment.

総(そう)じて好評(こうひょう)だった。

On the whole, it was well received.

今年(ことし)の成績(せいせき)は総(そう)じて良好(りょうこう)だと言(い)える。

This year's results can be said to be generally good.

参加者(さんかしゃ)の反応(はんのう)は総(そう)じて肯定的(こうていてき)だったが、一部(いちぶ)には不満(ふまん)の声(こえ)もあった。

The participants' reactions were generally positive, though there were some voices of dissatisfaction.

Usage

A somewhat formal adverb used in written Japanese, reports, and evaluations. Implies that the speaker is summarizing a broad picture while acknowledging exceptions may exist.

Similar words

全体的(ぜんたいてき)に: overall, as a whole (more common in everyday speech)
概(おおむ)ね: generally, for the most part (similar formality level)
一般的(いっぱんてき)に: generally, in general (makes a broader generalization)
大体(だいたい): roughly, generally (more casual)

Common patterns

Placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence, before the main predicate it modifies. Often followed by evaluative expressions.

Related Words

Compare: 全体的(ぜんたいてき) (overall, as a whole)

Compare: 概(おおむ)ね (generally, for the most part)

Compare: 一般的(いっぱんてき)に (generally, in general)

Compare: 概(がい)して (generally)

general

Added 2026.2.27 14:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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