HSK 7-9
简（而）言之
jiǎn (ér) yán zhī
In short; to put it simply
Structure
简(而)言之 + [Summary Statement]
How it works
This idiom is used to summarize a complex situation or lengthy explanation into its most essential points. The character '简' means simple, '言' means to speak, and '之' refers to the matter at hand; the '而' is a formal connecting particle that can be omitted.
Examples
为了解决这个问题，我们需要大量资金；简言之，钱是关键。
Wèile jiějué zhège wèntí, wǒmen xūyào dàliàng zījīn; jiǎnyánzhī, qián shì guānjiàn.
To solve this problem, we need a lot of capital; in short, money is the key.
这个项目的流程非常繁琐，简而言之，就是通过创新来降低成本。
Zhège xiàngmù de liúchéng fēicháng fánsuǒ, jiǎn'éryánzhī, jiùshì tōngguò chuàngxīn lái jiàngdī chéngběn.
The process of this project is very cumbersome; to put it simply, it's about reducing costs through innovation.
简言之，他的建议与其说是改进，不如说是彻底推倒重来。
Jiǎnyánzhī, tā de jiànyì yǔqíshuō shì gǎijìn, bùrúshuō shì chèdǐ tuīdǎo chónglái.
In short, his suggestion is less an improvement and more of a complete overhaul.
Common mistakes
Do not use this phrase at the beginning of a long, detailed explanation; it must be followed by a concise summary.
Tip
Think of this as the formal, written equivalent of '简单地说' (jiǎndān de shuō) or '总之' (zǒngzhī).
More HSK 7-9 grammar
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