Translation guide
The English word "mostly" is used to indicate that something is true in the majority of cases, but not always. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and phrases that convey "for the most part," "generally," or "almost all." The choice depends on whether you are describing a general tendency, a large proportion, or an approximation.
Describing a general tendency or habitual state that is true most of the time.
The most common and versatile word for "mostly" or "usually." It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese to describe habitual actions or general states.
私は大抵朝ごはんを食べます。
I mostly eat breakfast.
彼は大抵遅刻します。
He is mostly late.
Means "usually" or "ordinarily," emphasizing what is normal or routine. Often used for personal habits.
普段は電車で通勤しています。
I mostly commute by train.
More formal and often used in written contexts or official descriptions. Means "normally" or "generally."
通常、この店は9時に開店します。
This store mostly opens at 9 o'clock.
Indicating that something is true in most respects or that the majority of something has a certain quality.
Means "mostly," "roughly," or "for the most part." Very common in conversation. Can also mean "approximately."
仕事は大体終わりました。
I'm mostly done with work.
彼の言っていることは大体わかります。
I mostly understand what he's saying.
Means "almost all" or "nearly." Stronger than 大体, implying a very high proportion. Be careful: when used with a negative, it means "hardly."
Means "mainly" or "primarily." Focuses on the main part or purpose.
Emphasizing that something is true to a very large extent, with few exceptions.
Means "almost" or "nearly." Used for approximations and high degrees. Common in both speech and writing.
準備はほぼ完了しました。
Preparations are mostly complete.
A noun meaning "majority" or "most part." Often used as 大半は or 大半の.
大抵 (たいてい) is used for habitual actions or general tendencies ("usually"), while 大体 (だいたい) is used for approximations or describing the extent of completion ("for the most part"). 大抵 implies a pattern over time; 大体 implies a rough estimate or partial completion.
大抵はバスで行きます。
I mostly go by bus. (habitual)
宿題は大体終わった。
I'm mostly done with my homework. (extent)
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of "mostly." Translating it as 最も (most) or 大部分 (large part) can sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate adverb based on whether you mean "usually," "mainly," or "almost all."
週末は大抵本を読んでいます。
I mostly read books on weekends.
観客はほとんど若者でした。
The audience was mostly young people.
彼女は主に野菜を食べます。
She mostly eats vegetables.
参加者のほとんどが女性でした。
The participants were mostly women.
Rice is mostly grown in this region.
問題の大半は解決しました。
Most of the problems have been solved.