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HSK 7

总的来说/总而言之

总的来说 / 总而言之

Explanation

总的来说 and 总而言之 both mean 'in summary' or 'on the whole', used to give a general remark after presenting details. 总的来说 is usually used in speech, while 总而言之 is a bit more formal, usually used in writing or speeches. Both phrases can stand at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a summarizing statement. In examples 1 and 2, 总的来说 is used to give a general comment on health condition and work capacity. In examples 3 and 4, 总而言之 emphasizes the final conclusion, with a stronger affirmative tone.

Examples

总的来说，他的身体状态还算不错。
zǒngdeláishuō，tādeshēntǐzhuàngtàiháisuànbúcuò。
她的专业能力很不错，工作态度总的来说也很端正，是个很好的合作伙伴。
tādezhuānyènénglìhěnbúcuò，gōngzuòtàidùzǒngdeláishuōyěhěnduānzhèng，shìgèhěnhǎodehézuòhuǒbàn。
总而言之，最重要的应该是过程，而不是结果。
zǒngéryánzhī，zuìzhòngyàodeyīnggāishìguòchéng，érbúshìjiéguǒ。
总而言之一句话，我不喜欢他。
zǒngéryánzhīyījùhuà，wǒbùxǐhuantā。

Learn “总的来说/总而言之” effectively

The grammar point “总的来说/总而言之” (总的来说 / 总而言之) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

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