zǒng总sumér而andyán言speakzhī之it
In short; in a word; in conclusion.
Literal meaning
sum (总) — and (而) — speak (言) — it (之)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase used to summarize a previous statement or argument.
Examples
Zǒng'éryánzhī, zhè cì huìyì fēicháng chénggōng.总而言之，这次会议非常成功。
In short, this meeting was very successful.
Zǒng'éryánzhī, wǒmen xūyào gèngjiā nǔlì.总而言之，我们需要更加努力。
In conclusion, we need to work harder.
Usage & nuances
Used to provide a concise summary.
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