genérico
/xeˈneɾiko/
The English word 'generic' is translated into Spanish as genérico.
The adjective is used to describe something that is not having a brand name.
Meaning: not having a brand name (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some Latin American countries, the phrase Marca de distribuidor is used to indicate products that are store-brand or generic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It changes to genérica for feminine nouns, genéricos for masculine plural nouns and genéricas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈneɾiko/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers use genérico to describe a 'generic trademark' (like 'Kleenex' for any tissue), which is known as a marca degenerada or 'degenerate brand'.
- In many Spanish-speaking supermarkets, instead of looking for 'generic' products, you should look for the term marca blanca, which literally translates to 'white brand'.
- The word genérico shares the same root as género, which can mean 'gender', 'genre' or 'kind of fabric'.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos comprar medicamentos genéricosWe need to buy generic medications
- Siempre compro productos de marca blanca en el supermercadoI always buy generic products at the supermarket
- Estos zapatos son genéricos, pero son cómodosThese shoes are generic, but they are comfortable
- Prefiero comprar el producto genérico.I prefer to buy the generic product.
- Este medicamento es genérico y más barato.This medicine is generic and cheaper.
- El diseño del envase es muy genérico.The design of the packaging is very generic.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are grocery shopping together.
- Sofía¿Compramos la marca cara o el genérico?Should we buy the expensive brand or the generic one?
- AlejandroSofía, el genérico es mucho más económico.Sofía, the generic one is much more economical.
- SofíaTienes razón, vamos a llevar ese.You are right, let's take that one.
- AlejandroEs una buena decisión para el presupuesto.It is a good decision for the budget.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generic” translations and entries genérico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
