大概

• Reading: たいがい
• Romaji: taigai
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai) — large, general; 概 (gai) — outline, general idea
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.ɡa.i/

Meaning

In general; mostly; roughly; probably. Used to indicate approximation or a general tendency.

An adverb and noun with dual uses. As an adverb, 大概は means 'in most cases' or 'roughly speaking.' It can also be used to suggest something has gone far enough: 大概にしろ (give it a rest; enough already). This second usage is particularly idiomatic and carries a tone of exasperation. Context determines which sense applies.

Examples

1. 大概のことには動じない彼も、今回ばかりは驚いた様子だった。 Even he, who is usually unruffled by most things, seemed surprised this time.
2. 職場のトラブルは大概、コミュニケーション不足が原因だと思う。 I think that problems in the workplace are mostly caused by a lack of communication.
3. いい加減にしろ、大概にしろと上司に一喝された。 My boss gave me a sharp dressing-down, telling me to give it a rest and stop going too far.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, conversation, opinion, exasperation

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 大 (tai) means large or general, 概 (gai) means outline or general idea. Together: 'the general picture.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal