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JLPT N3 · Sentence patterns

つまり (tsumari)

つまり — “in other words / that is”

In short · つまり is a conjunction that restates the previous statement in simpler words or draws a conclusion: “in other words, that is.” It connects an explanation or a summary. It is used in conversation and in writing.
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Pattern

  • 名詞A、つまり名詞B A, つまり B: A, that is, B (restating a noun)
  • 文。つまり、〜（のだ）。 Sentence. つまり、... = in other words, ... (a conclusion)

Restating

Place つまり after something and give an equal expression: 彼は父の兄、つまり私の伯父です. The two expressions describe the same thing, one clearly and one in another way.

Drawing a conclusion

At the start of a sentence, つまり gives the key point of the preceding explanation. 彼は何も答えなかった。つまり、賛成ではないのだ. The ending ～のだ or ～ということだ often follows.

Difference from すなわち

すなわち is a strict equation and rather formal. つまり is common in daily conversation and also works for conclusions or the speaker's interpretation.

Examples

  • 彼（かれ）は父（ちち）の兄（あに）、つまり私（わたし）の伯父（おじ）です。

    Kare wa chichi no ani, tsumari watashi no oji desu.

    He's my father's older brother, that is, my uncle.

  • 締（し）め切（き）りは明後日（あさって）、つまり水曜日（すいようび）です。

    Shimekiri wa asatte, tsumari suiyōbi desu.

    The deadline is the day after tomorrow, that is, Wednesday.

  • 彼（かれ）は何（なに）も答（こた）えなかった。つまり、賛成（さんせい）ではないのだ。

    Kare wa nani mo kotaenakatta. Tsumari, sansei de wa nai no da.

    He gave no answer. In other words, he doesn't agree.

    A conclusion drawn from the situation.

Common mistakes

  • The expression after つまり must say the same thing as before. Do not use it to add a new, unrelated point; use それに instead.
  • Do not use it for a contrast. Use しかし or でも for that.

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