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A2 adjective 10 min read

genérico

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips genérico in 30 Seconds

Explanation genérico in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on 'genérico' in the context of shopping and health. Think of it as a way to save money. When you go to a 'farmácia' (pharmacy), you might see signs for 'medicamentos genéricos'. These are medicines that don't have a big brand name but work the same way. You can simply remember the phrase 'O genérico, por favor' (The generic, please). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just treat it as a label for non-branded items. You might also hear it when talking about food brands at the supermarket. If you see a cereal that doesn't have a famous logo, it might be called 'genérico'. It's a useful word to know for basic survival and budget management in a Portuguese-speaking country. Remember that the word ends in -o for masculine things and -a for feminine things. So, 'um remédio genérico' but 'uma marca genérica'. Keep it simple and use it for physical objects you can buy.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'genérico' to describe things that are not specific. For example, if someone asks you what kind of music you like and you say 'I like all music', that is a 'resposta genérica' (a generic response). You are moving beyond just medicine and into the world of descriptions. You should be comfortable matching the word to the gender and number of the noun: 'termos genéricos' (generic terms) or 'ideias genéricas' (generic ideas). You might use it to talk about movies or books that feel 'standard' or 'not special'. If a movie has a hero, a villain, and a happy ending that you've seen a thousand times, you can say 'O filme é muito genérico'. This level is about using the word to express a basic opinion about the quality or specificity of something. It's also the time to notice how it's used in advertisements and on product packaging to distinguish between 'premium' and 'basic' options.

By B1, you should understand 'genérico' in more abstract and professional contexts. You will encounter it in workplace discussions, perhaps when a colleague says a project plan is 'muito genérico' and needs more 'detalhes' (details). You should also be aware of the 'masculino genérico' in Portuguese grammar—the rule where you use the masculine plural to refer to a group of men and women (e.g., 'os alunos' for a class of boys and girls). This is a great topic for conversation practice. You can also use 'genérico' to discuss broader categories in topics like nature, science, or society. For example, 'O termo 'fruta' é genérico; 'maçã' é específico.' You are now expected to use the word with more precision, distinguishing it from 'geral' (general) and 'comum' (common). You might also start to notice it in news articles about the economy or public health, where 'indústria de genéricos' refers to the generic drug industry.

At the B2 level, 'genérico' becomes a tool for nuanced critique and academic discussion. You can use it to talk about the 'generic nature' of certain legal or philosophical concepts. You should be able to argue for or against the use of 'masculino genérico' in the context of inclusive language debates, which are very common in Brazil and Portugal right now. In a professional setting, you might use it to describe a 'modelo genérico' (generic model) that can be applied to different business scenarios. You will also understand the word in the context of 'propriedade intelectual' (intellectual property), discussing how brand names can sometimes become 'genericized' (though the verb for this is 'generificar'). Your vocabulary should now include related words like 'genericidade' (genericity). You should be able to use 'genérico' in complex sentences with various conjunctions and in different tenses without hesitation about gender agreement.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'genérico' across all domains. In literature and film studies, you might use it to discuss 'convenções genéricas' (generic conventions)—the specific traits that define a genre like horror or romance. You will understand the subtle stylistic choice of using a generic term vs. a specific one to create a certain atmosphere in writing. You can participate in high-level debates about the 'masculino genérico' from a sociolinguistic perspective, understanding the historical and political implications of the term. In legal contexts, you'll know how 'genérico' applies to patents and trademarks. You should also be familiar with the European Portuguese usage where 'genérico' refers to the opening or closing credits of a film or television program. Your use of the word will be flawless, and you will be able to explain the difference between 'genérico' and its synonyms to lower-level learners with ease.

At the C2 level, 'genérico' is a word you manipulate with the skill of a native speaker. You understand its deepest etymological roots and how it relates to concepts of 'gênero' (gender/genre) and 'geração' (generation). You can use it in philosophical discourse to discuss the 'universal' vs. the 'particular'. You are aware of the most obscure uses of the word, including its role in specialized scientific taxonomies or complex legal precedents. You can write essays or deliver presentations where 'genérico' is used to dissect the structure of language itself. You are sensitive to the cultural weight of the word in different Lusophone countries—how the 'Lei dos Genéricos' in Brazil is a point of national pride, or how the term is used in the Portuguese media industry. You can use 'genérico' ironically, metaphorically, and with perfect rhetorical timing. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a precise instrument in your linguistic toolkit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

genérico in 30 Seconds

Genérico refers to things that are non-specific or belong to a general category rather than a specific brand.
Commonly used in pharmacies to refer to bioequivalent, lower-cost versions of brand-name drugs.
Used in grammar (masculino genérico) and to criticize vague ideas or unoriginal creative works.
Requires gender and number agreement: genérico, genérica, genéricos, genéricas.

The word genérico is a versatile adjective in Portuguese that primarily describes something relating to a whole group or class of things rather than a specific individual or brand. While its linguistic roots are tied to the concept of 'genus' or 'kind,' its modern usage spans across medicine, law, linguistics, and everyday conversation. Understanding this word is crucial because it allows you to categorize information and navigate practical situations like visiting a pharmacy or discussing abstract concepts. In Portuguese culture, particularly in Brazil, the advent of 'medicamentos genéricos' (generic drugs) in the late 1990s fundamentally changed the healthcare landscape, making the word a household term. Beyond the pharmacy, it serves as a tool for precision—ironically, by describing a lack of precision. When you call a description 'genérico,' you are often suggesting it lacks the necessary detail to be unique or helpful. This duality makes it a powerful term for learners to master, as it bridges the gap between technical terminology and descriptive everyday speech.

Medical Context: Refers to pharmaceutical products that are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs but sold under their chemical names. For example, 'paracetamol' is the generic name for various branded painkillers.

Sempre peço o medicamento genérico porque é mais barato e tem o mesmo efeito.

Linguistic Context: In grammar, it refers to the use of masculine forms to represent a group of mixed genders, known as the 'masculino genérico'. This is a point of significant contemporary debate regarding inclusive language.

A sua explicação foi muito genérica; eu precisava de mais detalhes técnicos.

Marketing and Branding: Used to describe products that do not carry a famous brand name, often perceived as 'no-name' or 'store-brand' products in English-speaking countries.

Não gosto de comprar sabão genérico, prefiro as marcas conhecidas.

O uso genérico da palavra 'coisa' deve ser evitado em redações formais.

Este é um termo genérico que abrange várias subcategorias de animais.

In summary, 'genérico' is a high-frequency word that moves between the highly specific world of pharmacology and the broad world of general descriptions. As you advance in Portuguese, you will find it indispensable for discussing categories, making cost-saving choices at the store, and critiquing the specificity of various statements.

Using genérico correctly requires an understanding of gender and number agreement, as it is a standard Portuguese adjective. It must match the noun it modifies in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Because it ends in '-o', it follows the typical pattern: genérico (masculine singular), genérica (feminine singular), genéricos (masculine plural), and genéricas (feminine plural). Placement is also key; like most descriptive adjectives in Portuguese, it usually follows the noun. For example, 'um plano genérico' (a generic plan) or 'uma resposta genérica' (a generic response). Placing it before the noun is rare and usually reserved for poetic or highly stylized prose, where it might take on a more subjective tone, though this is not common in everyday speech.

Agreement with Feminine Nouns: When describing feminine nouns like 'marca' (brand) or 'solução' (solution), ensure you change the ending to '-a'.

Essa é uma marca genérica de cereais, mas é deliciosa.

Plural Usage: When referring to multiple items, the adjective must become plural. 'Os medicamentos genéricos' is the most common plural phrase you will encounter.

Os termos genéricos facilitam a comunicação em grandes grupos.

As leis genéricas precisam de regulamentação específica para funcionar.

Abstract Concepts: Use 'genérico' to describe ideas that lack detail. This is common in academic or professional critiques.

O seu currículo está muito genérico; tente personalizá-lo para a vaga.

Muitos filmes de ação hoje em dia têm roteiros muito genéricos.

Mastering these variations allows you to speak more naturally. Remember that while 'general' (geral) exists in Portuguese, 'genérico' is specifically used when referring to a class or a non-branded version of something. If you are describing a 'general feeling', use 'geral'. If you are describing a 'generic brand', use 'genérico'.

The most common place you will hear genérico is undoubtedly the 'farmácia'. In Brazil, pharmacies are ubiquitous, and the question 'Você tem o genérico?' (Do you have the generic?) is heard thousands of times a day. Pharmacists are legally required to offer the generic version if it exists, as it is often 35% to 70% cheaper than the 'medicamento de referência' (brand-name drug). You will also hear it in business meetings, specifically when discussing strategies or documents that lack specificity. A manager might say, 'Este relatório está muito genérico,' meaning it doesn't address the specific problems at hand. In the tech world, 'genérico' might refer to non-original hardware components or broad software functions. In news broadcasts, you might hear it during discussions about 'masculino genérico' when talking about social changes and language evolution. It is a word that bridges the gap between the supermarket aisle and the university lecture hall.

At the Pharmacy: Listen for the pharmacist asking if you want the cheaper version. They might say, 'O senhor prefere o de marca ou o genérico?'

Moça, este remédio genérico tem a mesma eficácia que o original?

In Professional Critiques: When a project lacks focus, 'genérico' is the go-to word for criticism. It implies that the work could apply to anyone or anything and therefore isn't special.

O design do novo site parece um pouco genérico, não tem personalidade.

Muitas vezes, os componentes genéricos do computador funcionam tão bem quanto os de marca.

In Academic Discussions: Used when talking about general categories in biology, philosophy, or sociology. It helps in defining the scope of a study.

O pesquisador utilizou um modelo genérico para representar toda a população.

Não use pronomes genéricos se você sabe exatamente de quem está falando.

Hearing 'genérico' in these various contexts will help you understand that it's more than just a medical term; it's a way of classifying the world into the 'specific' and the 'general'. Paying attention to the tone—whether it's helpful (saving money) or critical (lacking detail)—will give you a deeper grasp of the word's social function.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing genérico with geral. While both translate to 'general' in certain contexts, they are not interchangeable. 'Geral' is used for things that are widespread or total (e.g., 'uma greve geral' - a general strike, or 'de modo geral' - in general). 'Genérico' is used specifically for things that belong to a category or lack a brand name. Another common error is failing to apply gender agreement. Since 'genérico' ends in '-o', beginners often forget to change it to 'genérica' when describing feminine nouns like 'ideia' or 'marca'. This can make your speech sound disjointed or ungrammatical. Furthermore, some learners misuse 'genérico' when they actually mean 'comum' (common). While a generic item might be common, 'comum' refers to frequency or ordinariness, while 'genérico' refers to classification.

Genérico vs. Geral: Mistake: 'A opinião genérica do público...' (Incorrect if you mean the overall opinion). Correct: 'A opinião geral do público'. Use 'genérico' if the opinion is vague or non-specific.

Errado: Eu comprei uma aspirina geral.
Certo: Eu comprei uma aspirina genérica.

Gender Agreement Errors: Mistake: 'Uma resposta genérico'. Correct: 'Uma resposta genérica'. Always match the ending to the noun.

Errado: As marcas genéricos são mais baratas.
Certo: As marcas genéricas são mais baratas.

Errado: Ele deu um conselho geral que não ajudou.
Certo: Ele deu um conselho genérico que não ajudou (meaning the advice was too broad/vague).

Misusing as a Noun: In English, we say 'a generic'. In Portuguese, you usually need the article: 'o genérico'. Avoid saying 'Eu comprei genérico' without the 'um' or 'o'.

Certo: Eu prefiro comprar o genérico.

Errado: Este é um caso genérico de gripe.
Certo: Este é um caso comum de gripe (unless you are talking about a categorical classification).

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll sound much more like a native speaker. The key is to remember that 'genérico' is about categories and lack of branding, while 'geral' is about scope and totality.

While genérico is a specific term, several other Portuguese words share its semantic space. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the most precise word for your context. The most common alternatives are geral, comum, banal, and vago. Each of these carries a different weight. For instance, 'geral' refers to something that applies to everyone or everything in a set. 'Comum' refers to something that happens often or is shared by many. 'Banal' is more judgmental, implying that something is so common it has become boring or insignificant. 'Vago' (vague) is often what people mean when they use 'genérico' in a negative sense to describe a lack of detail in a statement or plan. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a pharmaceutical category, a lack of originality, or a broad scope of application.

Genérico vs. Geral: 'Genérico' relates to a class or kind (e.g., a generic drug). 'Geral' relates to the whole or majority (e.g., general knowledge - conhecimento geral).

O remédio genérico é para uso geral da população.

Genérico vs. Comum: 'Comum' means frequent or standard. 'Genérico' means non-branded or categorical. You can have a 'nome comum' (a common name like John) or a 'nome genérico' (a name for a whole species).

É comum as pessoas comprarem produtos genéricos no supermercado.

O roteiro era tão banal que parecia ter sido feito por um gerador genérico.

Universal: Sometimes used as a synonym for 'geral' or 'genérico' in philosophical contexts, meaning something that applies to the entire universe or all cases.

Existem verdades universais que transcendem termos genéricos.

Esta é uma categoria abrangente que inclui muitos itens.

By learning these synonyms and their specific contexts, you can avoid overusing 'genérico' and make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and precise. Whether you are discussing medicine, literature, or everyday products, there is always a 'perfect' word for the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A petição apresenta argumentos de caráter genérico."

Neutral

"O médico receitou um medicamento genérico."

Informal

"Esse seu papo está muito genérico, fala a verdade!"

Child friendly

"Este brinquedo não tem marca, é um brinquedo genérico."

Slang

"Aquele cara é muito genérico, não tem estilo nenhum."

Fun Fact

The word 'genérico' is a cognate with 'gender', 'genre', and 'genius'—all sharing the root relating to birth and types.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʒɛˈnɛ.ɾi.ku/

US /ʒɛˈnɛ.ɾi.ku/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ge-NÉ-ri-co.

Rhymes With

numérico esférico quimérico histérico atmosférico periférico climatérico colérico

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' like 'goat' instead of 'pleasure'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Failing to reduce the final 'o' to 'u' (in Brazil).
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a tap.
Forgetting the accent mark when writing, which changes the stress.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'generic'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement and the accent mark.

Speaking 3/5

The stress on the second syllable can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects, especially in the context of pharmacies.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

remédio marca geral coisa barato

Learn Next

específico patente farmácia gênero substantivo

Advanced

genericidade generificação bioequivalência taxonomia ontologia

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

O remédio genérico / As marcas genéricas.

Masculino Genérico

'Os pais' can mean both parents (mother and father).

Accentuation of Proparoxytones

All proparoxytones like 'genérico' must have an accent.

Adjective Position

Usually follows the noun: 'produto genérico'.

Nominalization

Using 'o genérico' as a noun.

Examples by Level

Eu quero o remédio genérico.

I want the generic medicine.

Adjective follows the noun 'remédio'.

Esta marca é genérica.

This brand is generic.

Feminine agreement with 'marca'.

O café genérico é barato.

The generic coffee is cheap.

Masculine singular agreement.

Você tem pão genérico?

Do you have generic bread?

Common noun-adjective structure.

O produto não é genérico.

The product is not generic.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Comprei roupas genéricas.

I bought generic clothes.

Plural feminine agreement.

O nome é genérico.

The name is generic.

Describing a noun with 'é'.

Ela prefere o genérico.

She prefers the generic.

Used as a noun with the article 'o'.

O filme tem um final muito genérico.

The movie has a very generic ending.

Descriptive use for quality.

Sua resposta foi um pouco genérica.

Your answer was a bit generic.

Feminine agreement with 'resposta'.

Não use termos genéricos na prova.

Don't use generic terms in the exam.

Plural masculine agreement.

Esta é uma descrição genérica do lugar.

This is a generic description of the place.

Adjective modifying 'descrição'.

Os personagens são muito genéricos.

The characters are very generic.

Plural agreement.

Eu gosto de usar sabão genérico.

I like to use generic soap.

Modifying 'sabão'.

O plano de saúde é genérico.

The health plan is generic.

Masculine singular.

Ela deu uma explicação genérica.

She gave a generic explanation.

Feminine singular.

O masculino genérico é comum no português.

The masculine generic is common in Portuguese.

Linguistic terminology.

O projeto ainda está muito genérico.

The project is still very generic.

Using 'está' for a temporary state.

Precisamos evitar soluções genéricas.

We need to avoid generic solutions.

Feminine plural agreement.

O termo 'animal' é um nome genérico.

The term 'animal' is a generic name.

Classification context.

Muitas empresas vendem peças genéricas.

Many companies sell generic parts.

Modifying 'peças'.

O roteiro do comercial era genérico demais.

The commercial script was too generic.

Adverb 'demais' modifying the adjective.

Ele sempre dá conselhos genéricos.

He always gives generic advice.

Plural masculine.

A embalagem genérica economiza dinheiro.

Generic packaging saves money.

Feminine singular.

A lei dos genéricos baixou os preços.

The generic drug law lowered prices.

Used as a noun in a specific legal context.

O autor utiliza um estilo genérico e impessoal.

The author uses a generic and impersonal style.

Literary criticism.

O uso do masculino genérico é debatido hoje.

The use of the masculine generic is debated today.

Abstract noun phrase.

Este modelo genérico aplica-se a vários casos.

This generic model applies to several cases.

Professional/Scientific context.

As características genéricas da espécie são claras.

The generic characteristics of the species are clear.

Biological classification.

O software tem uma interface genérica.

The software has a generic interface.

Tech context.

Eles apresentaram uma proposta genérica demais.

They presented a proposal that was too generic.

Critique of professional work.

O conceito de 'justiça' pode ser muito genérico.

The concept of 'justice' can be very generic.

Philosophical usage.

O filme falha ao seguir convenções genéricas.

The movie fails by following generic conventions.

Referring to genre conventions.

O genérico da novela é muito criativo.

The opening credits of the soap opera are very creative.

Specific European Portuguese usage as a noun.

A genericidade do termo dificulta a análise.

The genericity of the term makes analysis difficult.

Related noun 'genericidade'.

O discurso foi uma sucessão de frases genéricas.

The speech was a succession of generic phrases.

Negative stylistic critique.

A patente expirou, permitindo a versão genérica.

The patent expired, allowing the generic version.

Legal/Pharmaceutical context.

O texto carece de especificidade, sendo genérico.

The text lacks specificity, being generic.

Gerund construction 'sendo'.

Ele analisou as propriedades genéricas do solo.

He analyzed the generic properties of the soil.

Scientific precision.

A marca tornou-se um termo genérico para o produto.

The brand became a generic term for the product.

Linguistic 'genericization'.

A ontologia estuda o ser em seu sentido genérico.

Ontology studies being in its generic sense.

Philosophical terminology.

A diluição do sentido genérico na pós-modernidade.

The dilution of the generic sense in post-modernity.

High-level academic discourse.

O genérico e o particular coexistem na obra.

The generic and the particular coexist in the work.

Used as a substantive adjective.

A legislação visa proteger o mercado de genéricos.

The legislation aims to protect the generic market.

Economic/Legal plural noun.

A neutralidade do masculino genérico é contestada.

The neutrality of the masculine generic is contested.

Sociolinguistic critique.

O artista subverte as expectativas genéricas.

The artist subverts generic expectations.

Artistic/Genre-based usage.

A taxonomia exige rigor na definição genérica.

Taxonomy requires rigor in generic definition.

Specialized scientific usage.

O termo é usado aqui em sua acepção mais genérica.

The term is used here in its most generic sense.

Semantic precision.

Common Collocations

medicamento genérico

masculino genérico

termo genérico

marca genérica

nome genérico

plano genérico

descrição genérica

uso genérico

versão genérica

sentido genérico

Common Phrases

lei dos genéricos

— The specific law regulating generic drugs in Brazil. It is a major part of public health history.

A lei dos genéricos completou 20 anos.

em termos genéricos

— Speaking broadly or without details. Used to summarize an idea.

Em termos genéricos, o projeto foi um sucesso.

de forma genérica

— In a generic way. Often used as an adverbial phrase.

Ele falou de forma genérica sobre o futuro.

categoria genérica

— A broad group that contains many sub-types. Used in logic and science.

Esta é uma categoria genérica de vírus.

abordagem genérica

— A general way of dealing with a problem that isn't tailored. Often criticized.

Uma abordagem genérica não resolve o problema local.

referência genérica

— A mention that doesn't point to a specific individual. Used in law and writing.

O contrato faz uma referência genérica aos custos.

produto genérico

— Any item sold without a specific brand name. Common in supermarkets.

O supermercado lançou seu próprio produto genérico.

estrutura genérica

— The basic framework of something before details are added. Used in architecture/coding.

O site usa uma estrutura genérica de blog.

modelo genérico

— A standard example or template. Used in business and science.

Siga este modelo genérico para o relatório.

linguagem genérica

— Speech that lacks precision or uses broad terms. Often seen as poor style.

Evite linguagem genérica em textos acadêmicos.

Often Confused With

genérico vs geral

Use 'geral' for 'total' or 'widespread'. Use 'genérico' for 'non-branded' or 'categorical'.

genérico vs comum

Use 'comum' for 'frequent'. Use 'genérico' for 'vague' or 'class-based'.

genérico vs genético

Don't confuse with 'genetic'. 'Genético' is about DNA; 'genérico' is about categories.

Idioms & Expressions

"falar no genérico"

— To speak in broad terms without committing to specifics. Often used when someone is being evasive.

Pare de falar no genérico e me dê nomes!

informal

"ser um genérico"

— To be a cheap imitation or a person who lacks personality. Used as a slight insult.

Aquele cantor é apenas um genérico do Roberto Carlos.

informal

"cair no genérico"

— When something unique becomes common or loses its special quality. Used in art and marketing.

Com o tempo, a marca caiu no genérico.

neutral

"vender gato por genérico"

— A play on the idiom 'gato por lebre' (selling a cat for a hare), implying someone is selling a low-quality fake as a functional generic.

Cuidado para não comprar gato por genérico na internet.

slang

"ter cara de genérico"

— To look unoriginal or like a cheap store brand. Often used for fashion or tech.

Esse celular novo tem cara de genérico.

informal

"no genérico da coisa"

— In the general sense of the matter. Used to simplify a complex discussion.

No genérico da coisa, todos concordamos.

informal

"mais barato que genérico"

— Extremely cheap. Used as a hyperbolic description of a bargain.

Aquelas blusas estavam mais baratas que genérico.

informal

"viver de genérico"

— To live on a tight budget, always buying the cheapest options. Can be literal or metaphorical.

Depois que perdi o emprego, passei a viver de genérico.

informal

"fórmula genérica"

— A cliché or a predictable way of doing things. Used in creative critiques.

O diretor usou uma fórmula genérica de suspense.

neutral

"papo genérico"

— Small talk or a conversation that doesn't say anything important. Often used dismissively.

Não aguento mais esse papo genérico de festa.

informal

Easily Confused

genérico vs geral

Both translate to 'general' in English.

Geral refers to the whole scope of something (e.g., general strike). Genérico refers to the type or lack of brand.

A greve é geral, mas o remédio é genérico.

genérico vs vago

Both can mean 'not specific'.

Vago implies a lack of clarity or emptiness. Genérico implies it belongs to a broad category.

Seu olhar era vago, mas sua resposta foi genérica.

genérico vs banal

Both describe unoriginal things.

Banal is a value judgment (boring/cliché). Genérico is a classification (non-specific).

O crime foi banal, mas a descrição do suspeito foi genérica.

genérico vs comum

Generic things are often common.

Comum is about frequency (happens a lot). Genérico is about identity (no specific brand).

É comum encontrar produtos genéricos aqui.

genérico vs popular

Both can refer to things for the masses.

Popular means liked by many. Genérico means non-specific.

O carro popular tem um motor genérico.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero [noun] genérico.

Eu quero o leite genérico.

O [noun] é muito genérico.

O filme é muito genérico.

Não use [noun plural] genéricos.

Não use termos genéricos.

Apesar de ser [noun], é genérico.

Apesar de ser caro, o design é genérico.

A genericidade de [noun] impede [verb].

A genericidade do texto impede a compreensão.

Subverter o [adjective] genérico é [adjective].

Subverter o masculino genérico é necessário.

Prefiro [noun] a [noun genérico].

Prefiro o original ao genérico.

É uma [noun] genérica.

É uma ideia genérica.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in health and consumer contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'geral' for medicine. → remédio genérico
In English, we say 'generic drug'. In Portuguese, 'geral' means 'general' as in 'overall'. You cannot have an 'overall drug' in this sense; it must be 'genérico'.
Incorrect gender agreement. → uma resposta genérica
Nouns like 'resposta', 'marca', and 'ideia' are feminine. The adjective must change its ending to '-a' to match them correctly.
Missing the accent mark. → genérico
Without the accent on 'é', the word is technically misspelled and the pronunciation would shift to 'ge-ne-RI-co', which is not a word.
Using 'genérico' for army ranks. → O general do exército
The noun for the military rank is 'General'. 'Genérico' is an adjective and cannot be used to address a military officer.
Confusing 'genérico' with 'genético'. → exame genético / remédio genérico
These are 'false friends' in sound. 'Genético' refers to genes and DNA. 'Genérico' refers to non-branded items or categories.

Tips

Save Money

When in a Brazilian pharmacy, always ask: 'Tem o genérico deste remédio?'. You will likely save more than 50% on your purchase while getting the exact same chemical formula.

Check the Ending

Remember the 4 forms: genérico (ms), genérica (fs), genéricos (mp), genéricas (fp). If the noun is 'ideia', you must say 'ideia genérica'. Agreement is the key to sounding fluent.

Be Specific

In writing, if a teacher tells you your text is 'muito genérico', it's a sign you need to add more examples, data, or specific details to support your arguments.

Portugal vs Brazil

If you are in Portugal, 'genérico' might refer to the TV opening. In Brazil, it's almost always about medicine. Keep the location in mind to avoid confusion during conversations about media.

Stress the Né

The accent on the 'é' is your guide. The word is ge-NÉ-ri-co. Don't let your voice drop until after the 'né'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who tend to stress the first syllable.

Replace 'Geral'

If you are talking about a product or a category, use 'genérico'. If you are talking about a group's consensus or a total sum, use 'geral'. 'O consenso geral' vs 'O produto genérico'.

Inclusive Language

When you hear 'masculino genérico', it's a signal that the conversation might be about gender politics. It's a great opportunity to ask: 'Como você se sente sobre o uso do masculino genérico?'

Latin Roots

Since it comes from 'genus', associate it with 'genre'. A generic thing is just a representative of its genre, nothing more, nothing less.

Store Brands

Look for 'marca própria' in supermarkets. These are the 'genérico' equivalents for food. They are usually placed on the bottom shelves and offer great value for money.

Software Templates

In coding, a 'generic' function is one that works for many types of data. If you are a developer, you can use 'genérico' to describe versatile, reusable code modules.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'General' who manages a whole 'Genus'. A 'genérico' item is for the whole group, not just one soldier.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow medicine box with a giant 'G' on it (common in Brazil). This 'G' stands for 'Genérico'.

Word Web

gênero geral remédio marca específico categoria barato tipo

Challenge

Go to a Portuguese supermarket website and search for 'marca própria' or 'genérico'. List 5 items you find.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'genericus', which comes from 'genus' (meaning 'kind', 'type', or 'race'). It entered the Portuguese language via French or directly from Latin during the development of scientific terminology.

Original meaning: Relating to a whole genus or category.

Indo-European (Italic -> Romance -> Portuguese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'masculino genérico' in academic or activist circles; it is a sensitive topic regarding gender equality.

In English, 'generic' is often a slight insult (meaning boring), but in Portuguese-speaking countries, it is often viewed positively as a smart, cost-saving choice.

Lei 9.787 (Brazil's Law of Generics) Anvisa (The Brazilian agency that regulates generics) The 'Genérico' opening of famous RTP shows in Portugal.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Pharmacy

Tem o genérico?
Qual o preço do genérico?
É a mesma fórmula?
O genérico é confiável?

Office/Business

O plano é muito genérico.
Precisamos de dados, não termos genéricos.
Este modelo é genérico.
Faça uma análise menos genérica.

Supermarket

Onde estão os produtos genéricos?
A marca genérica é boa?
Economize com o genérico.
É um sabão genérico.

Linguistics Class

O que é masculino genérico?
Use o termo genérico.
A língua é genérica.
Evite o uso genérico.

Movie Review

O vilão é muito genérico.
Roteiro genérico e chato.
Uma trilha sonora genérica.
Personagens genéricos demais.

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere comprar remédios de marca ou genéricos para economizar?"

"O que você acha do debate sobre o masculino genérico na língua portuguesa?"

"Você já comprou um produto genérico que era melhor que o de marca?"

"Por que alguns filmes parecem tão genéricos hoje em dia?"

"Como você descreveria seu estilo de vida: único ou um pouco genérico?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você escolheu o genérico em vez da marca e se valeu a pena.

Reflita sobre como a linguagem genérica pode esconder preconceitos na sociedade.

Escreva sobre um filme ou livro que você achou genérico e explique o porquê.

Como você se sente quando alguém lhe dá um conselho muito genérico?

Descreva a importância da Lei dos Genéricos para a saúde pública no seu país ou no Brasil.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Um remédio genérico é um medicamento que tem o mesmo princípio ativo, dosagem e eficácia que o remédio de marca, mas custa menos. Ele é identificado pelo nome da substância química em vez de um nome fantasia. No Brasil, eles são muito populares e regulados pela Anvisa.

No Brasil, o genérico é idêntico ao de referência em termos de bioequivalência. O similar tem o mesmo princípio ativo mas pode ter variações em cor, tamanho ou prazo de validade. Sempre consulte o farmacêutico para saber qual é a melhor opção para você.

Usar 'genérico' para uma pessoa geralmente é um insulto. Significa que a pessoa não tem personalidade própria ou que é muito comum e sem graça. Por exemplo: 'Ele é um artista genérico' significa que ele não faz nada de novo ou original.

É a regra gramatical onde o gênero masculino é usado para se referir a grupos de gêneros mistos. Por exemplo, ao dizer 'Os alunos', você pode estar falando de uma sala com meninos e meninas. É um termo muito discutido em debates sobre linguagem inclusiva.

Porque é uma palavra proparoxítona (a sílaba tônica é a antepenúltima). Em português, todas as proparoxítonas devem ser acentuadas graficamente para indicar a pronúncia correta. Sem o acento, a palavra seria lida de forma diferente.

Não. Para o cargo militar, a palavra correta é 'General'. 'Genérico' é apenas um adjetivo ou substantivo relacionado a categorias e produtos. Confundir os dois pode causar grandes mal-entendidos em contextos formais.

Você pode dizer 'marca genérica' ou 'marca branca' (termo mais comum em Portugal). Ambas se referem a produtos que são vendidos sob o nome do próprio supermercado ou sem uma marca famosa associada.

Não. No contexto de medicamentos, é muito positivo porque representa economia e acesso à saúde. No contexto de arte ou comunicação, pode ser negativo, significando falta de criatividade ou de detalhes importantes.

Sim, o verbo 'generificar' significa tornar algo genérico ou tratar algo de forma genérica. É um termo mais técnico usado em marketing, direito e linguística para descrever o processo de perda de exclusividade de uma marca.

Em Portugal, o 'genérico' de um programa de televisão refere-se à sequência de abertura, incluindo a música e os créditos iniciais. Se alguém disser 'O genérico daquela série é ótimo', eles estão elogiando a introdução do show.