§ Don't confuse with "general"
The French word "général" exists and it means "general" in the sense of not specific or common. However, "généralisé" specifically refers to something that has become widespread or affects a large area/group. You wouldn't use "général" to describe a widespread problem or phenomenon.
- Wrong Usage
- Il y a un problème général de pollution dans la ville. (There is a general problem of pollution in the city.)
- Correct Usage
- Il y a un problème de pollution généralisé dans la ville. (There is a widespread problem of pollution in the city.)
§ Don't use as a verb
"Généralisé" is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot use it directly to say "it generalized." You need to use the verb "généraliser" in its conjugated form.
- Wrong Usage
- La maladie généralisé rapidement. (The illness widespread rapidly.)
- Correct Usage
- La maladie s'est généralisée rapidement. (The illness spread rapidly.)
Le mouvement de protestation s'est généralisé dans tout le pays. (The protest movement became widespread throughout the country.)
§ Agreement with gender and number
As an adjective, "généralisé" must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a common pitfall for English speakers, as English adjectives don't change form.
- Masculine singular: généralisé (e.g., un problème généralisé)
- Feminine singular: généralisée (e.g., une crainte généralisée)
- Masculine plural: généralisés (e.g., des symptômes généralisés)
- Feminine plural: généralisées (e.g., des mesures généralisées)
- Example 1
- La panique est généralisée. (Panic is widespread.) - "panique" is feminine, so "généralisée" is feminine singular.
- Example 2
- Les troubles sont généralisés. (The disturbances are widespread.) - "troubles" is masculine plural, so "généralisés" is masculine plural.
§ Not always interchangeable with "commun" or "répandu"
While "commun" (common) and "répandu" (widespread, common) can sometimes be used similarly, "généralisé" often implies a more pervasive or systemic spread, especially in formal contexts like describing diseases, problems, or trends. "Répandu" is a close synonym, but "généralisé" often emphasizes the idea of something becoming universal within a given scope.
- Example (Nuance)
- Un sentiment d'insécurité généralisé. (A widespread/pervasive feeling of insecurity.) - Here, "généralisé" suggests it affects everyone or nearly everyone.
Le chômage est devenu un problème généralisé. (Unemployment has become a widespread/pervasive problem.)
レベル別の例文
La pandémie a eu un impact généralisé sur l'économie mondiale.
The pandemic had a widespread impact on the global economy.
Here, 'généralisé' modifies 'impact' and agrees in gender and number.
On observe une inquiétude généralisée face aux changements climatiques.
There is widespread concern about climate change.
'Inquiétude' is feminine, so 'généralisée' takes the feminine form.
Les critiques ont noté un manque généralisé de créativité dans le film.
Critics noted a widespread lack of creativity in the film.
'Manque' is masculine, so 'généralisé' is in its masculine form.
Les coupures de courant sont devenues un problème généralisé dans la région.
Power outages have become a widespread problem in the region.
'Problème' is masculine, thus 'généralisé'.
Il y a eu une protestation généralisée contre la nouvelle loi.
There was widespread protest against the new law.
'Protestation' is feminine, so 'généralisée' agrees.
La pauvreté est un phénomène généralisé dans de nombreux pays en développement.
Poverty is a widespread phenomenon in many developing countries.
'Phénomène' is masculine, so 'généralisé' is masculine singular.
Le soutien à cette initiative est généralisé parmi la population.
Support for this initiative is widespread among the population.
'Soutien' is masculine, so 'généralisé' is masculine singular.
Une satisfaction généralisée a été exprimée suite aux résultats des élections.
Widespread satisfaction was expressed following the election results.
'Satisfaction' is feminine, so 'généralisée' agrees.
例文
Une grève généralisée a paralysé les transports en commun.
関連コンテンツ
weatherの関連語
abondant
B1Abundant; plentiful, e.g., heavy rain or snow.
annuel
A2Occurring once every year; annual.
approcher
A1To come near or nearer to someone or something.
aube
B1The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
aurore
B1The time in the morning when twilight first appears; dawn.
averse
A1A brief, heavy fall of rain or snow; shower.
bise
C1A cold, dry north or northeast wind.
bourrasque
B1A sudden, brief gust of wind or squall.
brièvement
B1For a short time; briefly.
brise
A1A gentle wind.
