Japanese word

つまり

Pronunciation

Romajitsumari

Meaning

  • adverbin other words

Example

つまり、彼は先生です。tsu ma ri kare wa sen sei de su

In other words, he is a teacher.

Illustration for つまり (in other words)

More examples

つまり、今日は休みだということですね。tsu ma ri kyō wa yasu mi da to i u ko to de su ne

So, in other words, today is a day off, right?

Core concept

つまり (tsumari) gathers several details into one clearer statement of what they mean together.

Common phrases

  • つまり、同じことtsu ma ri ona ji ko to

    in other words, the same thing

Similar words

要するにyōsuruni: It gives the main point in a short form.
要はyōwa: It presents the central point of a matter in a direct, conversational way.

Definition in Japanese

いくつかの説明や事柄を受けて、その要点を言い直すときに用いる語。i ku tsu ka no setsu mei ya koto gara o u ke te so no yō ten o i i nao su to ki ni mochi i ru go

Word origin

つまり (tsumari) developed from 詰まり (tsumari), the continuative form of 詰まる (tsumaru, "to become full or come to an end"), linking the idea of an endpoint with a final summary.

Usage tips

  • つまり (tsumari) can introduce a conclusion drawn from what was just said, so it does not always repeat the preceding words exactly.

Other meanings

  • that meansadverb

Word lists with this word