Em termos gerais
In general terms
Littéralement: In terms general
Use it to zoom out and explain the big picture without getting lost in details.
En 15 secondes
- Used to provide a broad overview or summary.
- Works perfectly in both business and casual conversations.
- Helps avoid unnecessary details and gets to the point.
Signification
Use this phrase when you want to give a broad overview of a topic without getting stuck in the tiny, boring details. It is the perfect way to zoom out and show someone the 'big picture' of what you are talking about.
Exemples clés
3 sur 7Summarizing a work project
Em termos gerais, o projeto foi um grande sucesso.
In general terms, the project was a great success.
Reviewing a movie with a friend
Em termos gerais, eu gostei do filme, mas achei longo.
In general terms, I liked the movie, but I thought it was long.
Texting about a party invitation
Em termos gerais, eu topo ir, só preciso ver o horário.
In general terms, I'm down to go, I just need to check the time.
Contexte culturel
This expression reflects the 'globalized' nature of modern Portuguese, mirroring the English 'in general terms.' It is widely used across all Lusophone countries, from Maputo to Lisbon to São Paulo, making it a safe bet for any traveler.
The Plural Trap
Always remember to keep it plural! Saying 'Em termo geral' is a common mistake that sounds very unnatural to native ears.
The Polite Exit
If you're stuck listening to someone tell a very long, boring story, you can politely interrupt with 'Então, em termos gerais...' to help them reach the conclusion faster.
En 15 secondes
- Used to provide a broad overview or summary.
- Works perfectly in both business and casual conversations.
- Helps avoid unnecessary details and gets to the point.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at a forest. You could talk about every single leaf and branch. Or, you could just talk about the forest as a whole. Em termos gerais is your tool for talking about the forest. It tells your listener that you are summarizing. You are giving them the 'TL;DR' version of your thoughts. It is a way to simplify complex ideas into something digestible. It is like a verbal highlighter for your main point.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase almost anywhere. Most people put it at the start of a sentence. This sets the expectation for a summary. Em termos gerais, o plano funciona. You can also use it to wrap up a long explanation. If you have been talking for five minutes, say it to bring everyone back to the core idea. It acts as a reset button for the conversation. It keeps things moving and prevents people from getting lost in the weeds.
When To Use It
This phrase is a powerhouse in professional settings. Use it in meetings to summarize a strategy. It makes you sound organized and decisive. It is also great for casual chats. If a friend asks how your vacation was, start with this. It allows you to give a quick 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' before sharing specific stories. Use it when you are texting and want to be brief. It is the ultimate efficiency tool for your Portuguese vocabulary.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this when someone needs specific, technical instructions. If you are explaining how to fix a gas leak, 'in general terms' might be dangerous! Avoid it in legal or highly formal contracts where every word matters. Also, be careful using it in emotional heart-to-hearts. If your partner asks why you love them, being 'general' might not be the romantic move you think it is. Precision sometimes matters more than brevity.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value a good, long conversation. We love the details and the 'fluff.' However, modern life in Brazil and Portugal is getting faster. This phrase has become a bridge between traditional storytelling and modern efficiency. It shows that you respect the listener's time. It is a sign of an educated speaker who can synthesize information. It is common in news broadcasts and academic lectures, but it feels totally natural at a Sunday barbecue too.
Common Variations
You will frequently hear De modo geral. It is the most common twin of this phrase. They are almost 100% interchangeable. If you want to be even shorter, you can say No geral. For a more formal, 'writerly' vibe, you might try De uma forma ampla. If you are feeling casual and a bit slangy, you might just say Resumindo. But Em termos gerais remains the most balanced and versatile option in your toolkit.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is a 'safe' expression that fits almost any context. Just ensure you maintain the plural agreement to avoid sounding like a beginner.
The Plural Trap
Always remember to keep it plural! Saying 'Em termo geral' is a common mistake that sounds very unnatural to native ears.
The Polite Exit
If you're stuck listening to someone tell a very long, boring story, you can politely interrupt with 'Então, em termos gerais...' to help them reach the conclusion faster.
Don't Be Too Vague
While great for summaries, using this too much in a row can make you sound like you don't know the details. Mix it up with specific facts!
Exemples
7Em termos gerais, o projeto foi um grande sucesso.
In general terms, the project was a great success.
Sets a positive tone for the rest of the report.
Em termos gerais, eu gostei do filme, mas achei longo.
In general terms, I liked the movie, but I thought it was long.
Gives an overall opinion before diving into specifics.
Em termos gerais, eu topo ir, só preciso ver o horário.
In general terms, I'm down to go, I just need to check the time.
A quick way to say 'yes' while keeping options open.
Em termos gerais, minha dieta é baseada em chocolate.
In general terms, my diet is based on chocolate.
Uses the formal structure to make a joke about bad habits.
Em termos gerais, como você tem se sentido ultimamente?
In general terms, how have you been feeling lately?
A broad opening question for a medical consultation.
Em termos gerais, estamos tentando manter a amizade.
In general terms, we are trying to stay friends.
Summarizes a complex emotional situation simply.
Em termos gerais, a nova lei protege os inquilinos.
In general terms, the new law protects tenants.
Simplifies a complex legal topic for a general audience.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the summary of a book.
___, o livro fala sobre a história do Brasil.
The phrase must be plural ('termos' and 'gerais') to be grammatically correct.
Which variation is most similar to 'Em termos gerais'?
___, a situação está sob controle.
'De modo geral' is a direct synonym for 'Em termos gerais'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Summarizing Phrases
Used with close friends or family.
No geral...
Safe for any situation, work or play.
Em termos gerais...
Used in academic writing or speeches.
De uma perspectiva ampla...
Where to use 'Em termos gerais'
Business Meeting
Summarizing the quarterly results.
Coffee with Friends
Giving a quick update on your life.
University Lecture
Explaining a complex theory simply.
Texting
Giving a quick 'yes' or 'no' with context.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt means 'in general terms' or 'broadly speaking.' It's used to provide a summary like Em termos gerais, tudo bem.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes! It is perfectly understood and common in both countries.
Geralmente means 'usually' (frequency), while Em termos gerais refers to the scope of an explanation.
No, that is incorrect. Both words must be plural: termos and gerais.
Yes, they are synonyms. De modo geral is perhaps slightly more common in spoken conversation.
Usually at the beginning, but it can also be used at the end to summarize what was just said.
Not necessarily. While it is clear and structured, it's used very naturally in daily speech.
Yes, people often use it to give a vague answer when they don't want to share details, like Em termos gerais, foi ok.
Very common. You'll see it in newspapers, emails, and reports constantly.
It sounds like 'zhe-RAYS.' Make sure to emphasize the last syllable.
The closest casual version would be No geral or simply Resumindo (summarizing).
Expressions liées
De modo geral
In a general way / Generally
No geral
Overall / In general
Em suma
In short / In summary
De uma forma ampla
Broadly speaking
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