générique
/ʒe.ne.ʁik/
The English phrase 'credits' can be translated into French as générique.
In French, le générique is used as a masculine noun to refer to the film or television credits. For more specific academic or formal contexts, other terms are used: Crédits is the most common and official term used for 'credits' in French in formal contexts, while Unités de valeur is a term often used in the academic field, particularly in universities, to refer to the credit-based system. Additionally, Crédits ECTS refers to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System used in European universities.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʒe.ne.ʁik/.
Did you know?
- While générique refers to the credits, it is also the standard word for 'generic' in a pharmaceutical context, such as médicaments génériques.
- In the music industry, a générique can refer specifically to the theme song or the instrumental track that plays during the credits.
- The word générique shares the same root as the English 'generic', but in French, it retains a much more specific and prestigious sense in the context of cinema.
Examples in context
- L'étudiant a obtenu 10 crédits pour son cursus.The student obtained 10 credits for his curriculum.
- Chaque cours est évalué en unités de valeur.Each course is evaluated in credit units.
- Ce programme vous permettra d'obtenir 30 crédits ECTS.This program will allow you to obtain 30 ECTS credits.
- J'ai obtenu mes crédits pour le semestre.I got my credits for the semester.
- Il lui reste encore quelques unités à valider pour son diplôme.He still needs to validate a few credits for his degree.
- Pour obtenir mon diplôme, je dois valider 180 crédits.To obtain my degree, I have to validate 180 credits.
- Mon ami a transféré ses crédits d'une université à l'autre.My friend transferred his credits from one university to another.
- Je suis en train de rédiger ma thèse qui vaut 30 crédits ECTS.I am currently writing my thesis, which is worth 30 ECTS credits.
- Le générique de fin est très long.The end credits are very long.
- On voit les noms dans le générique.We see the names in the credits.
- Le générique de début est magnifique.The opening credits are beautiful.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are watching a movie at home.
- LucasLe film est fini, il faut regarder le générique.The movie is finished, we have to watch the credits.
- ManonPourquoi ? Je veux dormir.Why? I want to sleep.
- LucasPour voir si ton nom est dans le générique.To see if your name is in the credits.
- ManonTu plaisantes, Lucas !You are joking, Lucas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry générique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries générique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
