一般来说...
Generally speaking...
Littéralement: One-sort-come-speak (One kind of way to speak)
Use it to introduce a general rule while politely leaving room for exceptions.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to describe typical situations or general rules.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for better flow.
- It helps you sound polite, balanced, and less blunt.
Signification
This is your go-to phrase for describing how things usually work or what typically happens. It helps you zoom out from specific details to talk about the big picture or a general rule.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about weekend habits
一般来说，我周末喜欢呆在家里。
Generally speaking, I like to stay at home on weekends.
Discussing office culture
一般来说，我们公司不加班。
Generally speaking, our company doesn't work overtime.
Asking for travel advice
一般来说，这里的夏天非常热吗？
Generally speaking, are summers here very hot?
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the 'Doctrine of the Mean' in Chinese culture, emphasizing balance and avoiding extremes. It allows speakers to provide information while remaining humble and open to other possibilities. It became a staple of modern Mandarin as a way to structure logical arguments and polite observations.
The 'But' Combo
Pair `一般来说` with `但是` (but) to sound like a pro. 'Generally X, but today Y.' It shows you have a deep understanding of the situation.
Don't be too vague
If someone asks for a 'Yes' or 'No' answer on something critical, starting with this might make you look like you're hiding something!
En 15 secondes
- Use it to describe typical situations or general rules.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for better flow.
- It helps you sound polite, balanced, and less blunt.
What It Means
一般来说 is the perfect bridge for your thoughts. It means "generally speaking" or "in most cases." It tells your listener that you are about to share a common pattern. You aren't saying something is 100% true every time. You are just sharing the most likely scenario. It’s like saying, "Here is the standard version of the story."
How To Use It
Put it right at the start of your sentence. It acts as a soft cushion for your opinion. You can also tuck it after the subject if you want to sound a bit more rhythmic. For example, 我一般来说不喝咖啡 (I generally don't drink coffee). It works just like a LEGO piece that snaps onto the front of any observation. Use a small pause after saying it to give your statement more weight.
When To Use It
You’ll hear this everywhere in daily life. Use it at a restaurant to ask about portion sizes. Use it in a meeting to describe project timelines. It’s great for texting when someone asks for advice. If a friend asks if a movie is good, start with this. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced rather than impulsive. It’s the ultimate tool for sounding like a reasonable person.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this when you need to be precise. If your boss asks for a specific deadline, don't use it. It can sound like you are dodging the question. Don't use it for absolute facts either. You wouldn't say "Generally speaking, the sun rises in the east." That just sounds silly! Also, avoid overusing it in a single conversation. You don't want to sound like a textbook on repeat.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often favors "mianzi" or saving face. This phrase is a master of politeness. By saying "generally," you leave room for exceptions. This prevents you from being proven wrong or sounding too aggressive. It’s a linguistic safety net. It reflects a cultural preference for harmony and avoiding extreme, black-and-white statements. It’s the art of being accurate without being blunt.
Common Variations
You might hear 一般而言 in very formal speeches. It means the exact same thing but sounds more like a professor. In casual chats, people might just say 一般.... For example, 一般我不去那儿 (Generally I don't go there). If you want to sound extra fancy, try 大体上说. But for 90% of your life, 一般来说 is your best friend. It’s the "jeans and t-shirt" of Chinese transitions.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social situation. It is neutral in formality, making it safe for both your boss and your best friend.
The 'But' Combo
Pair `一般来说` with `但是` (but) to sound like a pro. 'Generally X, but today Y.' It shows you have a deep understanding of the situation.
Don't be too vague
If someone asks for a 'Yes' or 'No' answer on something critical, starting with this might make you look like you're hiding something!
The Humility Hack
In China, being too certain can seem arrogant. Using this phrase shows you are humble enough to admit you don't know every single exception.
Exemples
6一般来说，我周末喜欢呆在家里。
Generally speaking, I like to stay at home on weekends.
A classic way to share a personal habit without sounding too rigid.
一般来说，我们公司不加班。
Generally speaking, our company doesn't work overtime.
Used here to describe a workplace norm.
一般来说，这里的夏天非常热吗？
Generally speaking, are summers here very hot?
Using the phrase to ask about climate patterns.
对不起，我一般来说回复信息很快的。
Sorry, I usually reply to messages very quickly.
Used as an excuse to show that the current delay is an exception.
一般来说，猫是不听话的。
Generally speaking, cats are disobedient.
Using a formal-sounding opener for a humorous, relatable truth.
一般来说，这个过程需要三个星期。
Generally speaking, this process takes three weeks.
Provides a standard estimate while allowing for potential delays.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete this observation about breakfast.
___，中国人早餐喜欢吃包子或者油条。
The sentence describes a general cultural habit, making 'Generally speaking' the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence to sound like a polite local.
这里的菜 ___ 不是很辣。
This softens the statement about the food, making it sound like an observation rather than a strict rule.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Range of 'Generally Speaking'
Just using '一般'
一般我不吃肉。
Standard '一般来说'
一般来说，我不吃肉。
Academic '一般而言'
一般而言，该地区不产肉类。
When to use '一般来说'
Giving Advice
Generally, you should arrive early.
Describing Weather
Generally, it rains in June.
Office Rules
Generally, we wear suits.
Personal Habits
Generally, I sleep at ten.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it almost always comes at the beginning of the clause to set the stage for what you are about to say.
通常 means 'usually' and is an adverb. 一般来说 is a full phrase used to introduce a whole thought.
Not at all! It's very common in texts to explain your habits or general plans.
Close, but it's more like 'As a general rule.' It focuses on the principle rather than just the frequency.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in writing, though 一般而言 is slightly more formal for high-level papers.
You would say 一般来说，我不喜欢这个. It sounds much more polite than just saying 'I don't like it.'
Yes, in casual speech, people often just say 一般... followed by their statement.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common transition phrases in the Chinese language.
Yes! You can say 一般来说，过去的人们... (Generally speaking, people in the past...).
Using it for things that are always true. Don't say 一般来说，人有两个眼睛 (Generally, humans have two eyes).
Expressions liées
通常
Usually / Normally
一般而言
Generally speaking (Formal)
总的来说
In conclusion / All in all
大体上
On the whole / Mostly
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