Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| in genere | |
| di solito | /di ˈsɔ.li.to/ |
Both phrases are used to express that something is true as a rule or usually. In genere is used to describe a general rule or a characteristic of a group, while di solito focuses more on habitual frequency or routine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase di solito is literally composed of the preposition di (of) and the adjective solito (usual/customary).
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'generally', they have different nuances. In genere is used when you are talking about a general principle or a characteristic of a group. In contrast, di solito is more closely related to the concept of 'usually' and focuses on the frequency of an action or a habit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb solitamente can be used as a single-word synonym for di solito to express 'usually'.
Did you know?
- When ordering a coffee, an Italian might say il solito, which tells the barista to give them the drink they 'generally' or 'usually' order without naming it.
- In Italian, you can use the verb solere to express the same idea as di solito, but it is a 'defective' verb, meaning it cannot be used in all tenses or persons.
- The word genere in in genere is the same word Italians use to describe the 'genre' of a movie or book, as well as the grammatical 'gender' of a noun.
Examples in context
- In genere il mio tempo viene utilizzato appieno.My time is generally fully utilized.This sentence shows how to use in genere regarding time utilization.Tatoeba #13012976 by Nuel, translation #13012975 by Nuel
- I bombi di solito ignorano gli esseri umani.Bumblebees generally ignore humans.This sentence uses di solito to describe the behavior of bumblebees.Tatoeba #13904206 by rul, translation #12494360 by Miktsoanit
- In genere le donne vivono dieci anni più degli uomini.Generally, women live 10 years longer than men.This sentence demonstrates the use of in genere when discussing a general fact about women's lifespans.Tatoeba #705989 by Heracleum, translation #387434 by CK
- In generale, i bambini amano giocare all'aperto.Generally, children love to play outdoors.
- Questo prodotto è, in generale, molto apprezzato dai clienti.This product is generally highly appreciated by the customers.
- Di solito, vado in palestra tre volte alla settimana.Generally, I go to the gym three times a week.
- Le cose migliori di solito richiedono tempo.Generally, the best things require time.
- Nella maggior parte dei casi, la gente preferisce viaggiare in estate.Generally, people prefer to travel in summer.
- Nella maggior parte dei casi, i cambiamenti climatici sono provocati dalle attività umane.Generally, climate change is caused by human activities.
- In genere, preferisco mangiare cibi leggeri a cena.Generally, I prefer to eat light meals for dinner.
- I gatti, in genere, hanno una grande indipendenza.Cats are generally very independent.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are discussing their weekend routines.
- GiuliaIn genere cosa fai nel weekend?What do you generally do on the weekend?
- FrancescoIn genere vado a correre al parco.Generally, I go running in the park.
- GiuliaÈ un'ottima abitudine, Francesco!That is a great habit, Francesco!
- FrancescoSì, mi aiuta a rilassarmi.Yes, it helps me relax.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generally” translations and entries in genere, di solito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
