总之

zǒng zhī

HSK 2.0 Level 5 HSK 3.0 Level 5 Conjunction Common

Save to list

Definitions

1. in a word
2. in short
3. in brief

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Word relationships

Synonyms

2 items

• 总而言之 zǒng ér yán zhī 总而言之 zǒng ér yán zhī in short Both mean 'in short' or 'in summary', but 总而言之 is more formal and emphatic.: in short
• 简言之 jiǎn yán zhī 简言之 jiǎn yán zhī in simple terms 简言之 is more literary and often used to rephrase in simpler terms.: in simple terms

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not place 总之 at the beginning of a sentence as the only summary word without context; it usually follows a reason or list.

Formality

总之 is neutral and common in both speech and writing, but may sound too casual in very formal reports; consider 总而言之 or 综上所述 in such cases.

Grammar

Guides that feature 总之

Jump into a full guide with fill-in-the-blank drills. Clicking will load the page and move you to the top.

1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min

Written-Style Connectors

Make essays, summaries, and formal notes flow more clearly.

Reading: zǒng zhī Open guide

Child Words of 总之

• 之 之 zhī: (possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
• 总 总 zǒng: general; overall