general
/xeneˈɾal/
The Spanish word for "general" is general.
As an adjective, general describes something that involves every part or member and is not specific or particular. You can use the phrase en general to mean "generally" or "on the whole" when describing a general state or starting a sentence. When used as a noun, general refers to a military rank.
Meaning: involving every part or member, not specific or particular (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, general must agree in number with the noun it modifies. While the singular form is general, you must use the plural form generales when modifying a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeneˈɾal/
Did you know?
- The term Generalísimo is a superlative form of general used historically for supreme commanders, such as Francisco Franco, to denote a rank above all other generals.
- The word general can be used to describe a 'general store' as tienda de ramos generales, which literally translates to 'store of general branches'.
- The military rank general in Spanish-speaking countries often carries a heavy political connotation due to the history of 'caudillismo' and military juntas in the 20th century.
Examples in context
- En general las cosas están bien.In general, things are all right.This sentence shows how to use general to mean "in general".Tatoeba #2253889 by cueyayotl, translation #2253860 by _undertoad
- El general dio el mando de retirarse.The general gave the order to retreat.This sentence demonstrates the use of general as a military rank.Tatoeba #2268157 by cueyayotl, translation #2268156 by _undertoad
- El general les ordenó seguir adelante.The general commanded them to move on.This sentence provides another example of general as a military rank.Tatoeba #7207456 by Leono, translation #267467 by CK
- El general ha sido ascendido a un nuevo rango.The general has been promoted to a new rank.
- ¡Esta fiesta está chévere!This party is cool!
- ¡Ese concierto estuvo guay!That concert was great!
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing the results of a recent survey.
- AlejandroLa idea general es positiva.The general idea is positive.
- Elena¿Te refieres a un dato específico?Do you mean a specific piece of data?
- AlejandroNo, es una opinión general.No, it is a general opinion.
- ElenaEntiendo, gracias por la aclaración.I understand, thanks for the clarification.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “general” translations and entries general, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
