Japanese word

大概

Pronunciation

Romajitaigai

Meaning

  • adverbgenerally

Example

彼は大概一人で来ます。kare wa tai gai hito ri de ki ma su

He generally comes alone.

Illustration for 大概 (generally)

More examples

週末は大概家で過ごします。shū matsu wa tai gai ie de su go shi ma su

I generally spend weekends at home.

Core concept

Describes a broad tendency as holding in most cases, without stating that it is universal.

Common phrases

  • 大概はtai gai wa

    usually

  • 大概一人でtai gai hito ri de

    mostly alone

Similar words

大抵taitei: Indicates what happens in most cases in ordinary situations.
概してgaishite: Describes a general tendency across a range of cases or situations.
おおむねōmune: Indicates that something is broadly true as a whole, with some exceptions.

Definition in Japanese

多くの場合に当てはまるさま。ō ku no ba ai ni a te ha ma ru sa ma

Word origin

大概 (taigai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 大 (tai, "large") and 概 (gai, "outline" or "general idea"), giving a broad overall sense.

Usage tips

  • The pattern 大概は (taigai wa) marks what is true in most cases while leaving room for exceptions.

Other meanings

  • mostlyadverb
  • usuallyadverb

Word lists with this word