Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
In short, in other words, that is to say, to put it simply, ultimately, after all.
🎯 Primary Function
To summarize, rephrase, simplify, or state the conclusion/essence of a preceding statement.
📋 Grammar Structure
[Preceding phrase/sentence] 。つまり、[Summarized/Rephrased/Concluded phrase/sentence]。
[Preceding phrase/sentence] つまり、[Summarized/Rephrased/Concluded phrase/sentence]… (less common to connect directly without a pause/punctuation)
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Can be used, but slightly less formal than すなわち.
Informal Situations
Commonly used.
Written Language
Frequently used in explanations, essays, reports, etc.
Spoken Language
Commonly used in conversations, presentations, and explanations.
💡 Common Applications
Summarizing a complex idea
Used after explaining details to give the main point concisely.
Example: 色々説明しましたが、つまり、このプロジェクトは予算オーバーです。(I explained many things, but in short, this project is over budget.)
Rephrasing for clarity
Used to explain something again in simpler terms.
Example: 彼は料理が全くできません。つまり、卵すら焼けないんです。(He cannot cook at all. In other words, he can’t even fry an egg.)
Stating a conclusion or consequence
Used to introduce the logical outcome or essence of a previous statement.
Example: 雨が降って電車が遅れました。つまり、会社に遅刻します。(It rained and the train was delayed. That is to say, I will be late for work.)
Frequency
Moderately frequent, especially in explanatory or argumentative discourse.
Difficulty
Intermediate (Appropriate for JLPT N3 learners).
Example Sentences
A: 彼女はもう新しい仕事を見つけました。
B: つまり、今の会社は辞めるんですね？
A: She has already found a new job.
B: In other words, she’s quitting her current company, right?
このデータは、若い世代の投票率が低いことを示しています。つまり、政治への関心が薄いと言えます。
This data shows that the voting rate among the younger generation is low. That is to say, we can say their interest in politics is weak.
彼は一度やると決めたら、最後まで諦めない。つまり、とても粘り強い人です。
Once he decides to do something, he won’t give up until the end. In short, he is a very persistent person.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Connection to Previous Statement
「つまり」 must logically follow the previous statement, offering a summary, simplification, or conclusion of it. It should not introduce a completely new topic.
Example: A: 昨日は雨で大変でした。
B: つまり、どこにも行けなかったということですね。(Correct)
A: 昨日は雨で大変でした。
B: つまり、今日の天気は晴れです。(Incorrect – no logical connection)
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⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using つまり like “and” or “also”
✅ Use conjunctions like そして (soshite) or それに (sore ni) for adding information.
つまり introduces a restatement or summary of the previous point, not just additional information.
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🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Relatively neutral. Can be used in many contexts without sounding overly formal or informal.
Social Situations: Used when explaining, clarifying, or summarizing for someone else. It implies an effort to ensure understanding.
Regional Variations: Generally standard across regions.
🔍 Subtle Differences
つまり vs. すなわち (sunawachi)
すなわち is more formal and precise, often used for definitions or equivalence (A=B). つまり is broader, used for summary, simplification, conclusion, or approximate rephrasing.
When to use: Use すなわち when providing a formal definition or saying “A which is B”. Use つまり for summarizing, simplifying, or drawing a conclusion.
つまり vs. 要するに (yousuru ni)
Both mean “in short” or “to sum up”. 要するに often feels like a final summary after a long explanation. つまり can be used mid-explanation for clarification or to state a consequence.
When to use: Use 要するに when wrapping up a lengthy explanation. Use つまり for wrapping up, clarifying mid-explanation, or stating a direct consequence.
つまり vs. 言い換えれば (iikaereba)
言い換えれば specifically means “to put it another way” and focuses purely on rephrasing. つまり includes rephrasing but also encompasses summary and conclusion.
When to use: Use 言い換えれば when you are strictly offering an alternative phrasing. Use つまり when summarizing, simplifying, or concluding, which may involve rephrasing.
📝 Conjugation Notes
つまり is an adverb/conjunction, so it does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “Tsu-ma-ri”. The “tsu” sound is important.
🧠 Memory Tips
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Practice Exercises
田中さんは体が弱くて、よく病気になります。＿＿＿＿、欠席が多いです。
そして
でも
つまり
例えば
この映画は子供向けではありません。＿＿＿＿、暴力的なシーンが多いです。
だから
しかし
そして
つまり
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