HSK 7-9
总的来说
zǒng de lái shuō
Generally speaking; all in all
Structure
总的来说 + [Main Conclusion/Summary Sentence]
How it works
This phrase is a common cohesive marker used to summarize a situation or provide an overall evaluation after considering several specific details. It functions as a sentence-level adverbial to transition from specific points to a general conclusion.
Examples
总的来说，这部电影的视觉效果非常出色，但剧情略显单薄。
Zǒng de lái shuō, zhè bù diànyǐng de shìjué xiàoguǒ fēicháng chūsè, dàn jùqíng lüè xiǎn dānbó.
Generally speaking, the visual effects of this film are outstanding, but the plot is a bit thin.
虽然有一些小瑕疵，但总的来说，这个方案是可行的。
Suīrán yǒu yīxiē xiǎo xiácī, dàn zǒng de lái shuō, zhèguò fāng'àn shì kěxíng de.
Although there are some minor flaws, all in all, this plan is feasible.
总的来说，这次会议取得了预期的效果，达成了多项共识。
Zǒng de lái shuō, zhè cì huìyì qǔdéle yùqī de xiàoguǒ, dáchéngle duō xiàng gòngshí.
On the whole, this meeting achieved the expected results and reached several consensuses.
Common mistakes
Avoid using '总的来说' when you are listing a specific final item in a list; it should only be used to summarize the commonality or quality of the entire situation.
Tip
In formal writing or speeches, you can also use '从总体上看' (cóng zǒngtǐ shàng kàn) as a more academic alternative to '总的来说'.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 总的来说 in real Chinese
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