つまり

• Reading: つまり
• Romaji: tsumari
• Kanji breakdown: 詰 (kitsu/tsume) — pack, stuff, clog (kanji form 詰まり is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ma.ɾi/

Meaning

That is to say; in other words; I mean. Used to rephrase or summarise a point.

An adverb used to clarify, rephrase, or draw a conclusion from what was just said. Extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese: つまり、こういうことだ (in other words, this is what it means). Can also express frustration when someone does not understand: つまり何が言いたいの？(So what are you trying to say?). Often interchangeable with 要するに.

Examples

1. つまり、あなたは反対だということですか。 In other words, you're saying you're against it?
2. 彼は来ない。つまり、私たちだけで行くことになる。 He's not coming. In other words, we'll be going on our own.
3. つまり一番大事なのはコミュニケーションだ。 Basically, the most important thing is communication.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, writing, explanation

Tone: clarifying

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 詰まり, from 詰まる (tsumaru, to be packed/clogged). The sense of 'stuffing everything together' evolved into 'summing up' — compressing information into its essence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal