Meaning & usage
つまり means in other words or that is, and it introduces a clearer restatement or more specific version of what came before. It is a standalone adverb, not a particle or verb ending, so it appears at the start of a clause, often as つまり、, or after a phrase set off by commas. It is neutral and common in both speech and writing for explanations and summaries. Be careful to use it only when the second statement rephrases the first, not when adding unrelated information.
Example sentences 8
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値段はほんの３千円、つまり約３０ドルだった。
The price was only three thousand yen, or about thirty dollars.
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つまり常識を疑えということだ。
In other words, you should doubt common sense.
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彼は一週間前、つまり五月十日にヨーロッパに向かった。
He left for Europe a week ago, that is, on the tenth of May.
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彼らは３日後、つまり６月１０日に出発します。
They are leaving in three days, that is to say June 10th.
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つまり、彼はあなたが好きなのね。
That means he loves you.
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つまり君が責任を取るべきだったのだ。
In brief, you should have accepted the responsibility.
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違いはこうだ。つまり、彼のほうが君よりよく働くのだ。
The difference is this: he works harder than you.
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つまり、彼が間違ってたのよ。
In short, he was wrong.
