général
/ʒe.ne.ʁal/
The English word "general" can be translated into French as général.
As an adjective, général describes something involving every part or member or something that is not specific or particular. The phrase en général is used to mean "generally" or "on the whole". Additionally, général can function as a noun to refer to the military rank of a general or in the title général d'armée.
Meaning: involving every part or member, not specific or particular (adj)
Which one should you use?
When used as an adjective, the word agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, whereas when used as a noun (military rank), it is masculine.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective has several forms to ensure agreement with the noun: général (masculine singular), générale (feminine singular), généraux (masculine plural) and générales (feminine plural).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒe.ne.ʁal/
Did you know?
- When referring to a 'general' strike, the French use grève générale, a term deeply rooted in the country's history of social and political activism.
- In French administrative language, a secrétaire général is often a powerful chief of staff or administrator, rather than a literal secretary.
- In French corporate structures, a directeur général holds much higher authority than an English 'general manager'.
Examples in context
- Il est devenu général.He became a general.This sentence shows the use of général as a military rank.Tatoeba #11840187 by Amastan, translation #8373503 by Amastan
- En général, tout va bien.In general, everything is fine.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase en général to mean 'generally'.Tatoeba #8452403 by Aiji, translation #6567348 by AlanF_US
- Ziri est directeur général.Ziri is a general manager.This sentence shows the use of général in the professional title 'directeur général'.Tatoeba #11840213 by Amastan, translation #10210271 by Amastan
- Le général a donné l'ordreThe general gave the order
- En général, il vaut mieux éviter celaIn general, it's better to avoid that
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a new project at work.
- NathanQuel est le plan général du projet ?What is the general plan for the project?
- ManonJe vais te donner un aperçu général.I will give you a general overview.
- NathanC'est parfait, merci Manon.That is perfect, thank you Manon.
- ManonDe rien, Nathan.You're welcome, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “general” translations and entries général, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
