だいたい

Alternative writings: 大体
JLPT:N4
Frequency:
1

Generally; mostly; approximately — an adverb indicating an overall estimate or rough judgment.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

だいたいの時間を教えてください。

Please tell me the approximate time.

だいたい終わったから、片付け始めよう。

It's almost finished, so let's start tidying up.

その計画はだいたい問題ないと思う。

I think that plan is generally fine.

2

General; rough — used as a noun (with の) to mean a general idea or rough outline.

Noun Taking 'の'Usually Kana

Examples

まず大体の計画を立ててから詳細を詰めよう。

First make a rough plan, then work out the details.

大体の見当はついたが、確認が必要だ。

I have a rough idea, but it needs to be checked.

3

Outline; gist; main points — a noun meaning the essence or main substance of something.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

会議の大体をメモにまとめておいてください。

Please summarize the main points of the meeting in a memo.

論文の大体が分かったら、序章を書き始めよう。

Once you understand the gist of the paper, start writing the introduction.

4

In the first place; first and foremost — used to indicate the starting point or priority.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

大体、彼が来るかどうか確認してから進めよう。

First of all, let's confirm whether he's coming before we proceed.

大体、謝るべきは彼のほうだと思う。

To begin with, I think he's the one who should apologize.

Word Relationships