généralement
/ʒe.ne.ʁal.mɑ̃/
The English word 'generally' is translated into French as généralement.
généralement is an adverb meaning as a rule or usually.
Meaning: as a rule, usually (adv)
Which one should you use?
While généralement and en général are often interchangeable, en général is a very common prepositional phrase used to mean 'in general' or 'as a rule'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb généralement is formed by adding the suffix '-ment' to the feminine form of the adjective général.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables: /ʒe.ne.ʁal.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- The suffix '-ment' in généralement comes from the Latin '-mente', which originally meant 'with a certain state of mind'.
- In legal French, en général can be used to create a 'general clause', a broad rule that allows judges to interpret a law flexibly based on the specific situation.
- In French, the adverb généralement can be placed at the very end of a sentence for emphasis, whereas placing 'generally' at the end of an English sentence often sounds awkward.
Examples in context
- Je rentre généralement à huit heures.I generally get home at eight.This sentence is useful for saying when you generally get home.Tatoeba #9009646 by Aiji, translation #3938716 by AlanF_US
- Les urinoirs sont généralement blancs.Urinals are generally white.This sentence is useful for describing how urinals are generally white.Tatoeba #1450690 by martin9, translation #12751541 by rul
- Il s'en remet généralement à sa femme.He generally defers to his wife.This sentence is useful for saying how someone generally defers to their wife.Tatoeba #9012667 by lbdx, translation #7123811 by Tangobango
- En général , il fait beau en été.Generally, it is nice weather in summer.
- D'une manière générale , les chiens sont fidèles.In general, dogs are loyal.
- En règle générale , évitez de manger trop de sucreries.As a general rule, avoid eating too many sweets.
- De manière générale , il est préférable de faire de l'exercice régulièrement.Generally speaking, it is preferable to exercise regularly.
- En gros , le film était plutôt ennuyeux.Roughly, the movie was rather boring.
- Au Québec, la plupart du temps , il fait très froid en hiver.In Quebec, most of the time, it is very cold in winter.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing their morning routines.
- NathanÀ quelle heure te lèves-tu ?What time do you get up?
- ManonJe me lève généralement à six heures.I generally get up at six o'clock.
- NathanC'est très tôt pour toi, Manon.That is very early for you, Manon.
- ManonOui, mais j'aime le calme du matin.Yes, but I love the morning calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generally” translations and entries généralement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries généralement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
