generalmente
/xeneˌɾalˈmente/
The English phrase 'generally' is translated into Spanish as generalmente. Wiktionary also lists por lo general.
Meaning: as a rule, usually (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| generalmente | /xeneˌɾalˈmente/ |
| por lo general | /poɾ lo xeneˈɾal/ |
Both generalmente and por lo general are used to mean 'as a rule' or 'usually'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word generalmente is formed by the adjective general and the suffix -mente, which is the Spanish equivalent of the English suffix '-ly'.
Which one should you use?
Por lo general is a multi-word prepositional phrase meaning 'as a rule' or 'in general'. While it can be used interchangeably with generalmente, it can feel slightly more idiomatic in certain sentence positions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adverbs ending in -mente are invariable, meaning they do not change for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeneˌɾalˈmente/
Did you know?
- The suffix -mente comes from the Latin word mēns, meaning 'mind'. This implies that these adverbs originally described the 'mental state' or 'manner' of an action.
- The word lo in por lo general is a neuter article. Spanish usually only has masculine and feminine, but lo is used here to turn the adjective general into an abstract concept.
- The word general shares a root with the Spanish word género, meaning 'gender' or 'type'. Both stem from the Latin genus, referring to a class or kind of thing.
Examples in context
- Generalmente vende a precios muy bajos.It generally sells at very low prices.This sentence shows how to use generalmente regarding price.Tatoeba #6710451 by SemperAutumnus, translation #6710454 by Luornu
- La comida coreana es generalmente picante.Korean food is generally spicy.This sentence shows how to use generalmente regarding food properties.Tatoeba #4404977 by DarkHollow, translation #4410158 by XenoKat
- Por lo general, el clima de Japón es suave.Generally speaking, the climate of Japan is mild.This sentence shows how to use por lo general regarding climate.Tatoeba #1586782 by teskmon, translation #21784 by CK
- En general, la educación en este país es de alta calidad.Generally, education in this country is of high quality.
- En general, los automóviles europeos son más caros que los asiáticos.Generally, European cars are more expensive than Asian ones.
- Por lo general, las personas suelen comer tres comidas al día.Generally, people tend to eat three meals a day.
- Por lo general, los bares cierran a altas horas de la noche.Generally, bars close late at night.
- Usualmente, voy al gimnasio tres veces a la semana.Generally, I go to the gym three times a week.
- Usualmente, los viernes salimos a cenar fuera.Generally, we go out for dinner on Fridays.
- Normalmente, prefiero tomar café en lugar de té.Generally, I prefer to drink coffee instead of tea.
- Normalmente, los niños disfrutan de jugar al aire libre.Generally, children enjoy playing outdoors.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing their work schedules.
- Elena¿A qué hora empiezas a trabajar?What time do you start working?
- DanielGeneralmente empiezo a las nueve de la mañana.Generally, I start at nine in the morning.
- ElenaEntiendo, yo también suelo llegar temprano.I see, I usually arrive early too.
- DanielEs bueno mantener una rutina.It is good to keep a routine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generally” translations and entries generalmente, por lo general, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries general, generalmente, lo, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
