要するに
In short
Literalmente: In the manner of summarizing the essentials
Use it to distill complex information into one clear, actionable bottom line.
En 15 segundos
- Cuts through long-winded talk.
- Summarizes the main point quickly.
- Acts as a conversational 'TL;DR'.
Significado
Think of this as the 'TL;DR' of Japanese. It is what you say when you want to cut through the fluff and get straight to the point.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a business meeting about budget cuts
要するに、予算が足りないということですね。
In short, it means the budget is insufficient, right?
A friend explaining a complicated breakup
要するに、彼と別れたいの？
Basically, do you want to break up with him?
Texting a friend about meeting plans
要するに、明日10時集合でOK？
In short, is meeting at 10 AM tomorrow okay?
Contexto cultural
In a culture that values 'wa' (harmony) and indirectness, this phrase provides a socially acceptable way to be blunt. It became increasingly popular in business contexts as efficiency started to rival traditional etiquette. It reflects the modern shift toward more direct communication styles in urban Japan.
Don't Cut the Boss Off
Using this while a superior is still talking can seem like you are rushing them. Wait for a natural pause before summarizing.
Pair with a Nod
When you say `要するに`, give a firm single nod. It reinforces that you have understood everything and are now focused on the conclusion.
En 15 segundos
- Cuts through long-winded talk.
- Summarizes the main point quickly.
- Acts as a conversational 'TL;DR'.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a cafe with a friend. They have been talking for twenty minutes about their cat. You are starting to lose the plot. You just want to know if the cat is okay. 要するに is your magical 'skip to the end' button. It takes a messy pile of information and turns it into one clear point. It is like saying 'The bottom line is...' or 'Basically...'. It helps you distill complex thoughts into a single, punchy sentence.
How To Use It
You will almost always find this phrase at the very start of a sentence. Usually, someone provides a long explanation first. Then, they take a breath and say 要するに. What follows is the most important part of the whole conversation. It acts as a logical bridge. It signals to the listener that the 'fluff' is over. Now, the real message is coming. It is very common in both speech and casual writing.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings when discussions get circular. Use it when you are explaining a difficult concept to a friend. It is perfect for texting when you are in a rush. If you are summarizing a movie plot, use this. It helps people follow your logic without getting lost. It makes you sound organized and decisive. It is great for wrapping up a long story that went off track.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful using this with people of much higher status. If your boss is explaining something, do not interrupt with 要するに. It can sound like you are saying 'Get to the point already!' It carries a slight tone of impatience if used at the wrong time. Avoid it during very delicate emotional apologies. In those cases, the 'fluff' is actually the politeness. Cutting it short might seem cold or dismissive. Do not use it if you have not actually summarized anything.
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for being a 'high-context' society. People often talk around a subject to remain polite and indirect. This is called 'Kuuki wo yomu' or reading the air. However, modern Japanese life is fast-paced. 要するに acts as a linguistic tool to break the cycle of indirectness. It allows speakers to be direct without being overtly rude. It is a very efficient way to communicate in a busy world.
Common Variations
つまり is the most common cousin of this phrase. It means 'in other words' and focuses on rephrasing. 要は is the cooler, shorter version for close friends. Use 要は when you want to sound extra casual and direct. 一言で言うと means 'to say it in one word.' This is even more dramatic than 要するに. Finally, 結局 means 'in the end' or 'after all.' Use that when the result is the most important part.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but leans toward directness. It is highly effective in business for clarity, but use caution with social superiors to avoid appearing impatient.
Don't Cut the Boss Off
Using this while a superior is still talking can seem like you are rushing them. Wait for a natural pause before summarizing.
Pair with a Nod
When you say `要するに`, give a firm single nod. It reinforces that you have understood everything and are now focused on the conclusion.
The 'Yowa' Shortcut
Younger people often drop the `するに` and just say `要は` (Yowa). It sounds very 'cool' and decisive in casual Tokyo slang.
Ejemplos
6要するに、予算が足りないということですね。
In short, it means the budget is insufficient, right?
Used here to confirm the core problem after a long presentation.
要するに、彼と別れたいの？
Basically, do you want to break up with him?
Cutting to the heart of the emotional issue.
要するに、明日10時集合でOK？
In short, is meeting at 10 AM tomorrow okay?
Summarizing a long back-and-forth chat about timing.
要するに、また寝坊したんだね。
Basically, you overslept again, didn't you.
A slightly sarcastic summary of a weak excuse.
要するに、君が一番大切なんだ。
In short, you are the most important person to me.
Distilling many feelings into one simple truth.
要するに、全部入りを頼めばいいんだね。
So basically, I should just order the 'everything' bowl.
Simplifying a complex menu choice.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to summarize a long explanation about a broken car.
___、修理に10万円かかるってこと？
`要するに` is used to summarize the 'bottom line' (the cost) after a long explanation.
Which phrase is a more casual, shortened version of `要するに`?
___、君が悪いんでしょ？
`要は` is the shortened, more informal version often used among close friends.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of Summarizing Phrases
Used with close friends or siblings.
要は (Yowa)
Safe for most daily and work situations.
要するに (Yousuru ni)
Used in official speeches or to superiors.
端的に申し上げますと
When to use 要するに
Business Wrap-up
Confirming the final decision.
Friend Drama
Clarifying the main point of a story.
Texting Plans
Confirming time and place quickly.
Explaining Rules
Simplifying complex instructions.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasつまり is used for rephrasing (A = B), while 要するに is used for summarizing a large amount of info into one point (A+B+C = D).
Yes, it is common in business emails to summarize a long thread. However, まとめますと is slightly more formal.
Usually, it is better at the end. It is a concluding phrase, so using it at the start might confuse people unless you are giving the conclusion first.
Not inherently, but it can sound impatient. If you use it to interrupt someone, it is definitely rude.
It is pronounced 'Yoh-soo-roo-nee.' Make sure to hold the long 'o' sound at the beginning.
Yes, you can say かいつまんで申し上げますと in very formal business settings.
Absolutely! It is a great way to save yourself if you realize you have been talking too long.
It is a bit conversational for high-level papers. 要約すると (Youyaku suru to) is better for academic contexts.
It can. If you say it with a sigh, it definitely implies they are being confusing. Use a neutral tone to avoid this.
You might sound a bit 'know-it-all' or overly aggressive. Try to vary your summary phrases.
Frases relacionadas
つまり
In other words / That is to say
要は
The point is... (Casual)
結局
After all / In the end
一言で言えば
To put it in a nutshell
端的に言うと
To put it simply / bluntly
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