一般的

• Reading: いっぱんてき
• Romaji: ippanteki
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/hitotsu) — one; 般 (han/ban) — general, carry; 的 (teki) — target, -ical
• Pronunciation: /ip.paɴ.te.ki/

Meaning

General; common; typical; popular. Describes what is widely accepted or standard in society.

A na-adjective formed with the suffix 的 (teki). Takes な before nouns (一般的な意見 = general opinion) and に before verbs (一般的に言えば = generally speaking). Frequently used to describe norms, customs, and common practices. The base word 一般 (ippan) means general or ordinary.

Examples

1. 日本では一般的にお茶をよく飲みます。 In Japan, people generally drink a lot of tea.
2. この考え方は若い人に一般的です。 This way of thinking is common among young people.
3. 一般的な家庭では朝ご飯を食べます。 A typical household eats breakfast.

Usage Guide

Context: society, culture, discussion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (ichi, one), 般 (han, general/carry), and 的 (teki, -like/-ical). 一般 literally means one way of carrying — something common to all, the general case.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal