Em linhas gerais
In general terms
直訳: In general lines
Use it to provide a high-level summary while signaling that you are skipping the minor details.
15秒でわかる
- Summarizes the big picture without getting lost in details.
- Commonly used in meetings, news, and casual summaries.
- Acts as a polite way to be brief and efficient.
意味
Use this phrase when you want to give a broad overview or a summary without getting stuck in the tiny, boring details. It is like telling someone the 'big picture' of a situation or plan.
主な例文
3 / 6In a business meeting
Em linhas gerais, o projeto está dentro do prazo e do orçamento.
In general terms, the project is on schedule and within budget.
Explaining a movie to a friend
Em linhas gerais, o filme é sobre um astronauta perdido em Marte.
In general terms, the movie is about an astronaut lost on Mars.
Texting a friend about a party
Em linhas gerais, a festa foi ótima, mas acabou cedo.
In general terms, the party was great, but it ended early.
文化的背景
This expression reflects the balance in Lusophone cultures between detailed storytelling and modern efficiency. While traditionally known for 'prolixity' (talking a lot), the use of this phrase shows a shift toward concise, goal-oriented communication in business and urban life. It is a staple in Portuguese news broadcasting to summarize complex political events.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Em linhas gerais` when starting a sentence. It helps the listener pause and prepare for the summary.
Don't be too vague
If you use this phrase too often without eventually providing details, people might think you are hiding something or don't know the facts!
15秒でわかる
- Summarizes the big picture without getting lost in details.
- Commonly used in meetings, news, and casual summaries.
- Acts as a polite way to be brief and efficient.
What It Means
Imagine you are drawing a map. You do not start with every single tree and house. You draw the big borders and main roads first. Those are your linhas gerais. This phrase lets you skip the fine print. It tells your listener, "I am giving you the gist of it." It is perfect for when you want to be understood quickly. You are focusing on the essence, not the exceptions.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts as a signal for what is coming. You can also use it to pivot. If you have been talking for too long, use it to wrap up. It works like a verbal highlighter for your main point. Just drop it in, follow with a comma, and state your main idea. It is that simple.
When To Use It
This is a superstar in professional meetings. Your boss usually wants the summary, not the saga. Use it when explaining a movie plot to a friend. It is great for texting when you are in a rush. Use it when you are explaining a complex topic like politics or science. It helps keep the conversation from becoming a lecture. It is the ultimate tool for efficient communication.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if someone specifically asked for details. If a doctor asks for your symptoms, do not stay in the linhas gerais. Avoid it when writing a technical manual or a legal contract. In those cases, the details are the whole point. Also, if you are apologizing for something big, being too general might seem dismissive. Sometimes, people need the specifics to feel you are being sincere.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil, love a good, long story. We value context and building a narrative. However, modern life is fast. Em linhas gerais has become a vital social lubricant. It allows us to be polite while being brief. It shows you respect the other person's time. It bridges the gap between our love for detail and the need for speed.
Common Variations
You will often hear de modo geral or de forma geral. These are almost identical in meaning. If you want to sound a bit more technical, you might hear em termos gerais. For a more casual vibe, people might just say basicamente. But em linhas gerais has a certain elegance to it. It sounds professional yet accessible at the same time.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any context from a boardroom to a bar. It is most effective when followed by a concise statement that captures the core essence of your topic.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Em linhas gerais` when starting a sentence. It helps the listener pause and prepare for the summary.
Don't be too vague
If you use this phrase too often without eventually providing details, people might think you are hiding something or don't know the facts!
The 'Grosso Modo' Secret
If you want to sound even more sophisticated, use `Grosso modo`. It means 'roughly speaking' and is very common among intellectuals in Brazil and Portugal.
例文
6Em linhas gerais, o projeto está dentro do prazo e do orçamento.
In general terms, the project is on schedule and within budget.
Perfect for giving a quick status update to stakeholders.
Em linhas gerais, o filme é sobre um astronauta perdido em Marte.
In general terms, the movie is about an astronaut lost on Mars.
A quick way to describe a plot without giving spoilers.
Em linhas gerais, a festa foi ótima, mas acabou cedo.
In general terms, the party was great, but it ended early.
Used to give a quick 'vibe check' via text.
Em linhas gerais, eu não entendi nada do que o professor explicou.
In general terms, I didn't understand anything the teacher explained.
Using a formal-sounding phrase for a self-deprecating joke.
Em linhas gerais, nós decidimos que é melhor sermos apenas amigos.
In general terms, we decided it's better to just be friends.
Softens the delivery of a difficult or emotional conclusion.
Em linhas gerais, a nova lei vai mudar como pagamos impostos.
In general terms, the new law will change how we pay taxes.
Ideal for simplifying complex civic or legal information.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct phrase to summarize a long weekend trip.
___, a viagem foi maravilhosa, apesar da chuva.
You are providing a summary of the trip, so 'Em linhas gerais' (In general terms) is the best fit.
Complete the sentence to give a broad project update.
O chefe quer saber como vai o trabalho ___.
The expression is 'em linhas gerais'. 'Linhas finas' means fine lines and 'linhas tortas' means crooked lines.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum of Summarizing
Basically / The gist
Basicamente...
In general terms
Em linhas gerais...
In broad terms / Broadly speaking
Em termos latos...
When to use 'Em linhas gerais'
Work Meeting
Summarizing a report
Socializing
Describing a book
News/Media
Explaining a policy
Daily Life
Planning a weekend
よくある質問
10 問Not at all! It is neutral. While you might use Basicamente more often with close friends, Em linhas gerais sounds educated but perfectly natural.
It is less common but possible. For example: Expliquei o plano em linhas gerais. (I explained the plan in general terms.)
They are almost identical. De modo geral is slightly more common when talking about habits, like De modo geral, eu acordo cedo.
Yes, it is widely used and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.
Absolutely. It is a great way to introduce a thesis statement or a summary of a complex theory.
No, it implies that you are being efficient. It shows you know how to prioritize the most important information.
The 'g' sounds like the 's' in 'pleasure' or the 'j' in 'journal'. It is a soft, buzzing sound.
Not exactly a slang version, but people might say Por alto to mean they looked at something quickly or superficially.
Yes, you can say Em linhas gerais, ele é uma boa pessoa to mean 'Overall, he is a good person' despite some flaws.
The opposite would be Em detalhes (In detail) or Minuciosamente (Thoroughly/In great detail).
関連フレーズ
De modo geral
Generally speaking
Grosso modo
Roughly speaking / In a coarse way
Resumidamente
In short / Briefly
Em suma
In summary / To sum up
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