概(がい)して

がいして
adverb
generally; on the whole
formalwrittendescriptive
1. generally; on the whole; as a rule
Used to make broad generalizations about a group or situation. Indicates that something is true in most cases, though exceptions may exist. More formal than たいてい and often used in written language or formal speech.
概(がい)して好評(こうひょう)だった。
It was generally well received.
概(がい)して日本人(にほんじん)は時間(じかん)に正確(せいかく)だ。
Japanese people are generally punctual.
今年(ことし)の試験結果(しけんけっか)は概(がい)して良好(りょうこう)であったと言(い)える。
It can be said that this year's exam results were generally favorable.

Usage

概(がい)して is a formal adverb meaning "generally" or "on the whole." It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or before the predicate it modifies. It is more common in written language, news, and formal presentations than in casual conversation.

Common patterns

  • 概(がい)して + adjective/na-adjective + だ (generally [adjective])
  • 概(がい)して + noun + は (generally, [noun] ...)
  • 概(がい)して言(い)えば (generally speaking)

Similar words

  • 概(がい)して: generally (formal, often written)
  • たいてい: usually, mostly (neutral, everyday)
  • 総(そう)じて: overall, in general (formal, similar register to 概(がい)して)
  • 大体(だいたい): roughly, more or less (casual, approximate)

Related Words

Compare: たいてい (usually, mostly)
Compare: 総(そう)じて (overall, in general)
general
Added 2026.3.4 14:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14899_gaishite