整体

• Pinyin: zhěng tǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 整 = 束 + 攵 + 正, meaning 'whole'; 体 = 亻(person) + 本 (root), simplified from 體, meaning 'body'

Meaning

Whole; entirety; overall. Refers to something considered as a complete unit rather than its individual parts.

Used to discuss things from a comprehensive perspective. Common in phrases like 整体来看 (looking at it overall), 整体水平 (overall level), 整体效果 (overall effect). Can function as a noun (the whole) or an adjective (overall). Opposite of 部分 (part) or 局部 (partial).

Examples

1. 整体来看，这次考试大家考得不错。 Overall, everyone did well on this exam.
2. 我们要从整体上考虑这个问题。 We need to consider this problem from an overall perspective.
3. 这幅画的整体效果很好。 The overall effect of this painting is very good.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, analysis, work

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 整体来说，这个方案还不错。(Overall, this plan is quite good.)
• 我们要关注整体的发展。(We should pay attention to overall development.)

Don't Say

• 我的整体很好。(Don't use 整体 to describe personal health — use 身体 for 'my body is fine'; 整体 refers to a collective whole or overall perspective)

Origin & History

整 (whole, complete) + 体 (body, form). Together: the complete body or form — the entirety.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal