总

zǒng

HSK 3

总 — zǒng

1. general; overall

   总的来说，这次旅行很好。 zǒngdeláishuō zhècì lǚxíng hěn hǎo — Generally speaking, this trip was great.

2. to sum up; in every case; always; invariably

   你总是迟到，工作态度总得改一改。 nǐ zǒngshì chídào gōngzuò tàidù zǒngděi gǎiyīgǎi — You are always late; your work attitude really needs to change.

3. anyway; after all; eventually; sooner or later; surely

   别担心，总会有办法的。 bié dānxīn zǒnghuì yǒu bànfǎ de — Don't worry; there will be a way eventually.

4. bound form: prefix used in titles as abbreviation for 'general manager' or 'editor-in-chief' (e.g. 总经理, 总编)

   她被任命为公司总经理，总人事由她负责。 tā bèi rènmìng wèi gōngsī zǒngjīnglǐ zǒng rénshì yóu tā fùzé — She was appointed company general manager; overall personnel matters are her responsibility.