What it means
つまり means “in other words” or “that is to say.” It introduces a summary, a clearer restatement, or a conclusion based on what was just said. It is commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, and can be used in both familiar and polite speech.
Usage note
つまり usually signals a restatement or summary, not simply a cause-and-effect result. For a direct meaning of “therefore,” forms such as したがって or それで may be more appropriate.
How to use it
つまり、来週の会議は中止です。
In other words, next week's meeting is canceled.
つまり、来週の会議は中止だ。
In other words, next week's meeting is canceled.
Example sentences
来月から図書館の開館時間が一時間短くなります。つまり、利用できるのは午後六時までです。
Starting next month, the library's opening hours will be shortened by one hour. In other words, it can be used only until 6 p.m.
この薬は一日三回、食後に飲んでください。つまり、朝食後、昼食後、夕食後の三回です。
Please take this medicine three times a day, after meals. In other words, that means three times: after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner.