全般

• Reading: ぜんぱん
• Romaji: zenpan
• Kanji breakdown: 全 (zen) — whole, entire; 般 (han) — type, aspect
• Pronunciation: /ze.m.paɴ/

Meaning

Whole; general; overall; across the board. Referring to something in its entirety or in general terms.

A noun used to indicate totality or generality, often in the phrase 〜全般にわたって (across all aspects of ~) or 〜全般的に (generally speaking). It is broader and more formal than 全体 (the whole), suggesting comprehensiveness rather than a single unified mass. Common in business reviews, reports, and evaluations.

Examples

1. 業務全般を見直し、非効率な部分を洗い出す作業を続けている。 Work continues to review all aspects of operations and identify areas of inefficiency.
2. 今期の成績は全般的に好調で、各部門の目標を上回った。 Performance this term has been generally strong, exceeding targets across all departments.
3. 社会全般の意識が変わらない限り、差別の根絶は難しいだろう。 Without a shift in society's overall awareness, it will be difficult to eradicate discrimination.

Usage Guide

Context: business, reporting, evaluation, society

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 全 (zen) means whole or entire, 般 (han) means a kind or class. Together: 'all types and aspects.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal