Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In the final analysis, ultimately, when all is said and done: Used to indicate the most fundamental or essential point after considering everything. It introduces a conclusion that summarizes or reduces a complex situation to its core.
   • On the whole, all in all: Used to give a general assessment or summary statement.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Có nhiều lý do, nhưng chung quy là do thiếu kinh phí. (There are many reasons, but ultimately/in the final analysis, it's due to a lack of funding.)
  • Mọi tranh cãi chung quy lại đều xuất phát từ sự hiểu lầm. (All arguments in the end/essentially stem from misunderstandings.)
  • Chung quy lại, sức khỏe là quan trọng nhất. (When all is said and done, health is the most important.)

Advanced Usage

• "chung quy lại": This is a very common reinforced form, adding emphasis to the concluding nature of the statement. It translates to "when it all comes down to it," "in the final reckoning," or "all things considered."
  • Nói nhiều chung quy lại cũng chỉ muốn tốt cho anh. (Saying a lot, when it all comes down to it, is just because I want what's best for you.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rốt cuộc (adv): Finally, in the end. Often interchangeable with but can also imply an outcome after a process.
• Xét cho cùng (phrase): Considering everything, all things considered. Similar in meaning but used more as a prepositional phrase.
• Cơ bản mà nói (phrase): Basically speaking. A less formal alternative for stating a fundamental point.

Synonyms

• Về cơ bản: Basically, fundamentally.
• Suy cho cùng: When you think it through, ultimately.
• Tóm lại: In summary, to sum up.

Related Phrases

• Chung quy là...: The standard phrase structure, meaning "The bottom line is..." or "It all boils down to..."
  • Chung quy là anh ấy không đủ quyết tâm. (The bottom line is he doesn't have enough determination.)

Related Idioms

• Trăm hay không bằng tay quen: This proverb (A hundred skills are not as good as one practiced hand) shares the conceptual space of by pointing to an ultimate, practical truth. could be used to introduce such a conclusion.
  • Học nhiều lý thuyết, nhưng chung quy, "trăm hay không bằng tay quen". (Learn a lot of theory, but in the end, "practice makes perfect.")

1. In the last analysis, on the whole
   • nhiều câu hỏi, nhưng chung quy chỉ có một vấn đề
     there were many questions, but on the whole there was only one problem
   • chung quy lại như chung quy