(いっぱんろん)

いっぱんろん
noun
general argument; generalization
communicationabstract
1. general argument; generalization; general statement
A broad, non-specific argument or statement that applies in general terms rather than to a particular case. Often used to contrast with specific situations.
それ一般論(いっぱんろん)すぎない。
That's nothing more than a generalization.
Generally speaking, exercise is good for the body.
We should discuss based on specific cases, not generalizations.

A compound of 一般(いっぱん) (general) and (ろん) (argument, theory). Frequently used in discussions and debates to distinguish between broad principles and specific cases. Can carry a dismissive nuance, implying that a statement lacks specificity.

Common collocations

  • 一般論(いっぱんろん)として — as a general statement
  • 一般論(いっぱんろん)すぎない — to be nothing more than a generalization
  • 一般論(いっぱんろん)()べる — to state a generalization
  • 一般論(いっぱんろん)片付(かたづ)ける — to dismiss with a generalization

Similar words

  • 一般的(いっぱんてき) — general, common; an adjective, whereas 一般論(いっぱんろん) is a noun referring to the argument itself
  • 総論(そうろん) — general discussion; focuses on the overview portion of a structured argument, while 一般論(いっぱんろん) implies a broad, non-specific claim