つまり

つまり means in other words; in short. It is a JLPT N3 grammar pattern used to summarize, restate, or draw a conclusion.

This grammar point often appears in neutral Japanese. If you want to summarize, restate, or draw a conclusion, つまり is a useful pattern to learn.

What does つまり mean?

Use つまり when you want to summarize, restate, or draw a conclusion.

Natural translations include:

• in other words; in short
• in other words
• in other words / in short

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer’s or speaker’s purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

How to form つまり

Sentence. つまり + conclusion

Examples of the pattern:

• つまり必要だ
• つまり無理だ
• つまり同じ意味だ

The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word.

When is つまり used?

Use つまり in situations like:

• explaining grammar in context
• answering JLPT reading questions
• making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:

• neutral
• Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

つまり example sentences

• 彼は来ない。つまり、私たちだけで始める必要がある。 — He is not coming. In other words, we need to start by ourselves.
• この表現はカジュアルです。つまり、正式な場面では使いにくいです。 — This expression is casual. In other words, it is hard to use in formal situations.
• 参加者が少ない。つまり、人気がないということだ。 — There are few participants. In short, it is not popular.
• 彼女は医者です。つまり、病気を治す仕事をしています。 — She is a doctor. In other words, she treats illnesses.
• 今日は休みです。つまり、学校へ行かなくてもいいです。 — Today is a holiday. That means we do not have to go to school.

After reading each sentence, ask what job つまり is doing: summarizing, restating, or drawing a conclusion. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

Nuance of つまり

The key nuance is a natural way to express “in other words; in short” with the right context and tone.

This matters because つまり does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the condition, timing, example, role, intention, or contrast in the sentence.

For example:

• In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
• Compared with すなわち, it has a different focus and level of formality.

つまり vs すなわち

Both つまり and すなわち can appear in related situations, but they are different.

つまり:

• means in other words; in short
• fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

すなわち:

• すなわち is formal “namely”; つまり is common and conversational

Quick contrast examples:

• Target: 彼は来ない。つまり、私たちだけで始める必要がある。 — He is not coming. In other words, we need to start by ourselves.
• Compare: Try replacing it with すなわち and check whether the nuance still matches.

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural.

Common mistakes with つまり

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Using つまり with the wrong form
• Confusing つまり with すなわち
• Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with つまり, then rewrite it with すなわち. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is つまり on the JLPT?

Yes. つまり is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

Practice questions for つまり

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Write one sentence using つまり.
• Contrast つまり with すなわち.
• Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.

Learning path for つまり

To learn つまり efficiently, review the formation first, then compare it with the closest existing grammar point before writing your own sentence.

1. First, make sure you can form つまり without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with すなわち. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where the grammar point’s nuance is necessary; then check whether replacing つまり with すなわち changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• すなわち — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.

Learn つまり with Hane

If you want to review つまり together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

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