一般而言 (yī bān ér yán) — generally speaking, in general, as a rule

Definition

A formal written phrase meaning 'generally speaking,' used to introduce a broad generalization rather than a specific case. It is more bookish than 一般来说, which is the everyday spoken equivalent.

verb
generally speakingin generalas a rule

Examples

  • 一般而言，。
    yī bān ér yán, Dà chéng shì de shēng huó chéng běn gèng gāo.
    Generally speaking, the cost of living in big cities is higher.
  • 一般而言，。
    yī bān ér yán, Zǎo shuì zǎo qǐ duì shēn tǐ yǒu hǎo chù.
    Generally speaking, going to bed early and waking up early is good for your health.
  • 一般而言，。
    yī bān ér yán, Zhè ge fāng àn shì kě xíng de.
    Generally speaking, this plan is feasible.

Origin

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

Open 一 →

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 般 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 而 is a picture of a beard.

Open 而 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

The early form of 言 shows an opening and a mark indicating a location; the location is not described as the source of speech.

Open 言 →

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