Japanese grammar
What does ～。つまり、～ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～。つまり、～ means in other words…; that is to say…; namely….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。つまり、sentence B Sentence A、つまり B |
| Romaji | .tsumari, |
| Meaning | in other words…; that is to say…; namely… |
Forming it
| Rephrasing | 大学の教授だ。つまり、専門家だ。 |
|---|---|
| Drawing a conclusion | 今日は土曜日だ。つまり、明日は日曜日だ。 |
How to use it
Rephrases what was just said in an easier way to understand, or draws a conclusion from it.
- 「つまり」 = in short, to put it briefly. B must be a DIFFERENT way of saying the same content as A, not new information.
- Often used to wrap up a long passage: 「予算も時間も足りない。つまり、この計画は無理だ」.
- Same group: 「要するに」 (in summary, somewhat formal), 「すなわち」 (written, precise definition).
Examples
彼は大学で日本語を教えている。つまり、日本語教師だ。
He teaches Japanese at a university. In other words, he is a Japanese teacher.
予算も時間も足りない。つまり、この計画は無理だ。
We lack both budget and time. In short, this plan is impossible.
Keep in mind
- B rephrases A; it does not add new information.
- Placed at the start of the following sentence or mid-sentence, always followed by a comma.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong今日は土曜日だ。つまり、明日は買い物に行く。
Today is Saturday. So tomorrow I'll go shopping.
Correct今日は土曜日だ。だから、明日は買い物に行く。
「つまり」 is used to restate the SAME content; to state a consequence use 「だから」.
-
Wrong彼は教授だつまり専門家だ。
He is a professor. In other words, an expert.
Correct彼は教授だ。つまり、専門家だ。
The previous sentence must be finished before using the conjunction, along with a 「、」.
Exam tips
- 「つまり」 = in other words (rephrasing A); for a consequence use 「だから」.