HSK 4
一般来说
yì bān lái shuō
"Generally speaking" (一般来说)
Explanation
一般来说 (yì bān lái shuō) is a transitional phrase meaning "generally speaking, usually, on the whole". It states a general observation, a common rule or tendency — while still acknowledging that exceptions may exist.
一般来说 (yì bān lái shuō) + clause (a sentence stating the general observation). This phrase comes at the beginning of the sentence, set off by a comma.
when giving a rule or general conclusion based on the majority of cases, usually in polite speech and written language. It "hedges" in advance that this is a general tendency, not absolutely 100%.
一般来说 (generally speaking, soft, admits exceptions) differs from 总的来说 (zǒng de lái shuō, in short, to sum up) and differs from 一定 (yí dìng, certainly, no exception). Use 一般来说 when you still leave room for special cases.
placing 一般来说 in the middle or at the end of the sentence (it should go at the beginning). Also, once you use 一般来说 (which implies exceptions), avoid combining it with absolute words like 一定, 肯定 (definitely certain) in the same idea, as it easily becomes contradictory.
Examples
Generally speaking, a competitor who has entered a competition cannot withdraw.
Generally speaking, on such an important occasion he would not be late.
On the whole, compared with young people, older people have richer experience.
Practice
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Learn “一般来说” effectively
The grammar point “一般来说” ("Generally speaking" (一般来说)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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