要するに

• Reading: ようするに
• Romaji: yousuruni
• Kanji breakdown: 要 (yō) — essential, need; する (suru) — to do
• Pronunciation: /joː.sɯ.ɾɯ.ni/

Meaning

In short; in a word; basically. Used to summarise or get to the point of a discussion.

An adverbial expression used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a summary or conclusion. Formed from 要する (to require/to be essential) plus に. Similar to つまり but slightly more formal and emphatic. Useful in presentations, arguments, and explanations when cutting through details to state the core message.

Examples

1. 要するに、準備が足りなかったということだ。 In short, we just weren't prepared enough.
2. 色々説明したけど、要するに賛成なの。 I explained a lot of things, but basically, I'm in favor.
3. 要するに予算が足りないのが問題です。 In short, the problem is that the budget isn't enough.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, explanation, presentation

Tone: conclusive

Origin & History

From 要する (to require, to be essential) + に (adverbial particle). Literally 'putting it to what is essential' — stripping away the non-essential to arrive at the key point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal