总而言之
总而言之 (zǒng ér yán zhī) literally means “altogether and speaking it” and expresses “to sum up everything discussed”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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To sum up everything discussed
Pronunciation: zǒng ér yán zhī Literal meaning: Altogether and speaking it
Origin & Usage
This formal idiom combines totality (总) with expression (言之) through a linking particle (而), emerging directly from Han Dynasty scholarly writing rather than narrative origins. During the Song Dynasty, it became standard in academic conclusions as Neo-Confucian scholars systematized knowledge presentation. Unlike most Chinese idioms, it developed from formal rhetoric rather than metaphorical imagery. The character progression creates logical flow - gathering scattered elements before articulating their essence. Modern usage spans academic writing to business presentations, signaling the distillation of complex information into essential points.
When to Use
Situation: In summary, the research demonstrates three key findings about consumer behavior
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 总而言之 mean in English?
总而言之 (zǒng ér yán zhī) literally translates to “Altogether and speaking it” and is used to express “To sum up everything discussed”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 总而言之 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving to sum up everything discussed.
What is the pinyin for 总而言之?
The pinyin pronunciation for 总而言之 is “zǒng ér yán zhī”.