Definition

1. Adverb:
   • On the whole, in general, overall: Used to introduce a general statement or conclusion that summarizes the main point after considering all aspects, though it may not apply to every single detail or exception.
   • Broadly speaking, as a whole: Indicates a perspective that considers the total situation or the majority, rather than focusing on specific parts.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Nhìn chung, dự án này rất thành công. (On the whole, this project is very successful.)
  • Thời tiết hôm nay, nhìn chung, là khá dễ chịu. (The weather today, broadly speaking, is quite pleasant.)
  • Nhìn chung thì tôi đồng ý với ý kiến của anh. (Overall, I agree with your opinion.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nhìn chung là...": A common spoken structure meaning "Generally speaking, it's that...".

  • Nhìn chung là mọi việc đã ổn. (All things considered, everything is fine now.)

• Used to soften a statement or to acknowledge exceptions before making a general point.

  • Có một vài vấn đề nhỏ, nhưng nhìn chung buổi biểu diễn rất hay. (There were a few minor issues, but on the whole, the performance was excellent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nói chung: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "nhìn chung". It also means "generally speaking" or "in general".

  • Nói chung, mọi người đều hài lòng. (In general, everyone is satisfied.)

• Đại thể: (Adverb) Roughly, in broad terms. It is slightly more formal and emphasizes the main points without details.

  • Đại thể, kế hoạch là như vậy. (Broadly speaking, the plan is like that.)

• Về cơ bản: (Adverb) Basically, fundamentally. Focuses on the essential nature rather than a general summary.

  • Về cơ bản, ý tưởng đó là đúng. (Basically, that idea is correct.)

Synonyms

• Nói chung: in general.
• Xét tổng thể: considering the whole.
• Về đại thể: in broad terms.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Nhìn một cách tổng quát: To look at something in a comprehensive/general way. This is a more formal or explicit phrase with a similar meaning.

  • Nhìn một cách tổng quát, nền kinh tế đang phát triển. (Looking at it comprehensively, the economy is growing.)

• Tóm lại: in conclusion, to sum up. Used to introduce a final summary, while "nhìn chung" introduces a general assessment.

  • Tóm lại, chúng ta cần cố gắng hơn. (In conclusion, we need to try harder.)

1. On the whole, as a whole
   • Nhìn chung nhân dân ai cũng ủng hộ những cải cách đó
     The population as a whole is in favour of the reform