Translation guide
The English word "sum" can refer to a total amount, a calculation, or a summary. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the result of adding things together, especially money or quantities.
The most common and neutral word for 'sum' or 'total' in everyday contexts.
合計は5000円です。
The sum is 5000 yen.
合計金額を教えてください。
Please tell me the total sum.
Often used for total sum of money, especially in formal or business contexts.
総額は100万円を超えた。
The total sum exceeded one million yen.
Grand total, often used in accounting or statistical reports.
総計は前年比で増加した。
The total sum increased compared to the previous year.
Referring to an unspecified or specific amount of money.
General word for 'amount of money', often used when 'sum' means a monetary figure.
その金額は大きすぎる。
That sum is too large.
少額の寄付でも助かります。
Even a small sum of donation helps.
Shorter, often used in compounds or formal writing.
多額の借金を抱えている。
He has a large sum of debt.
Referring to the process or result of adding numbers.
Mathematical term for 'sum' as the result of addition.
2と3の和は5です。
The sum of 2 and 3 is 5.
Everyday phrase meaning 'the answer of addition', used in elementary contexts.
足し算の答えを書いてください。
Write down the sum of the addition.
Expressing the main point or a brief statement of the most important information.
Standard word for 'summary' or 'digest', used in both formal and informal contexts.
報告書の要約を読んだ。
I read the sum (summary) of the report.
Casual word for 'summary' or 'wrap-up', often used in meetings or presentations.
Means 'in sum' or 'in short', used to introduce a summary statement.
Phrases used to conclude or summarize a discussion.
Common spoken phrase meaning 'to sum up' or 'in summary'.
まとめると、賛成多数です。
To sum up, the majority is in favor.
More formal version, suitable for writing or speeches.
要約すると、問題は解決していない。
To sum up, the problem is not solved.
English 'sum' meaning 'summary' is often translated as 要約 or まとめ, but never as 合計 (which only means total amount). Using 合計 for a summary would be incorrect.
合計
total (not summary)
Finally, I'll give a sum (summary).
要するに、計画は失敗だった。
In sum, the plan was a failure.