总之 zǒngzhī

总之（zǒngzhī）means “in short; in a word; anyway — sums up or wraps up what was said”. 总之 introduces a summarizing conclusion after several points or a longer description, meaning 'to sum it all up'. Formation: （前面列举/铺垫）+ 总之 + 总括句

in short; in a word; anyway — sums up or wraps up what was said

HSK5

Formation

（前面列举/铺垫）+ 总之 + 总括句

Explanation

总之 introduces a summarizing conclusion after several points or a longer description, meaning 'to sum it all up'. It can also mean 'in any case / whatever the details', shifting focus to the main point that follows. It is typical at the end of a paragraph or argument.

Examples

又要花钱，又要花时间，总之 这件事很麻烦。
yòu yào huāqián, yòu yào huā shíjiān, zǒngzhī zhè jiàn shì hěn máfan
It costs money and takes time — in short, this whole thing is a hassle.
不管你同不同意，总之 我们必须今天做决定。
bùguǎn nǐ tóng bu tóngyì, zǒngzhī wǒmen bìxū jīntiān zuò juédìng
Whether you agree or not, in any case we have to decide today.

Note

Used to close and sum up, or to say 'in any case'. Often follows several parallel clauses (又…又…, 不管…).

FAQ

总之 — what does it mean and how is it used?

in short; in a word; anyway — sums up or wraps up what was said. 总之 introduces a summarizing conclusion after several points or a longer description, meaning 'to sum it all up'. It can also mean 'in any case / whatever the details', shifting focus to the main point that follows. It is typical at the end of a paragraph or argument.

总之 — how do you form it?

（前面列举/铺垫）+ 总之 + 总括句

总之 — any usage notes?

Used to close and sum up, or to say 'in any case'. Often follows several parallel clauses (又…又…, 不管…).

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