Generalizar Conjugation in Spanish
generalizar means "to generalise" in English, and it comes up when people talk about the rule to all cases, the problem to the whole country, his experience to other people and the conclusion from one example. This page gives you the complete conjugation of generalizar in every tense and mood — present, preterite, imperfect, future, conditional, the four perfect tenses, both subjunctive tenses and the imperative — with all six persons, plus the gerund and the past participle. Every form below comes from VerbFlow's verified conjugation tables, so you can trust the accents and the spelling changes. generalizar is a spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb, and the notes under each tense explain exactly where it follows the rules and where it breaks them. To hear it in a real sentence: Cada día, yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "Every day, I generalise the rule to all cases." Work through the tables, read the notes, then test yourself with the quiz at the end of the page.
Quick facts
- Infinitive: generalizar
- English: to generalise
- Verb type: spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb
- Gerund: generalizando
- Past participle: generalizado
- Auxiliary verb: haber (all compound tenses use haber + generalizado)
- Spelling change: spelling-changing (z → c before e).
Full conjugation table
Every tense of generalizar with all six persons. The gerund is generalizando and the past participle is generalizado.
Present indicative
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalizo |
| tú | generalizas |
| él/ella/Ud. | generaliza |
| nosotros/as | generalizamos |
| vosotros/as | generalizáis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizan |
Preterite (past)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalicé |
| tú | generalizaste |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalizó |
| nosotros/as | generalizamos |
| vosotros/as | generalizasteis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizaron |
Imperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalizaba |
| tú | generalizabas |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalizaba |
| nosotros/as | generalizábamos |
| vosotros/as | generalizabais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizaban |
Future
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalizaré |
| tú | generalizarás |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalizará |
| nosotros/as | generalizaremos |
| vosotros/as | generalizaréis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizarán |
Conditional
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalizaría |
| tú | generalizarías |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalizaría |
| nosotros/as | generalizaríamos |
| vosotros/as | generalizaríais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizarían |
Present perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | he generalizado |
| tú | has generalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | ha generalizado |
| nosotros/as | hemos generalizado |
| vosotros/as | habéis generalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | han generalizado |
Pluperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | había generalizado |
| tú | habías generalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | había generalizado |
| nosotros/as | habíamos generalizado |
| vosotros/as | habíais generalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habían generalizado |
Future perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habré generalizado |
| tú | habrás generalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habrá generalizado |
| nosotros/as | habremos generalizado |
| vosotros/as | habréis generalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrán generalizado |
Conditional perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habría generalizado |
| tú | habrías generalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habría generalizado |
| nosotros/as | habríamos generalizado |
| vosotros/as | habríais generalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrían generalizado |
Present subjunctive
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalice |
| tú | generalices |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalice |
| nosotros/as | generalicemos |
| vosotros/as | generalicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalicen |
Imperfect subjunctive (-ra)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | generalizara |
| tú | generalizaras |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalizara |
| nosotros/as | generalizáramos |
| vosotros/as | generalizarais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalizaran |
Imperative (affirmative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | generaliza |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalice |
| nosotros/as | generalicemos |
| vosotros/as | generalizad |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalicen |
Imperative (negative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | generalices |
| él/ella/Ud. | generalice |
| nosotros/as | generalicemos |
| vosotros/as | generalicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | generalicen |
Notes on each tense
A short note for every tense: when it is used, one example, and anything irregular about generalizar in that tense.
Present indicative
The present indicative of generalizar is used for routines, habits, general truths and things happening right now. Cada día, yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "Every day, I generalise the rule to all cases." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Preterite (past)
The preterite (past) of generalizar is used for one action that started and finished in the past. Ayer, yo generalicé el problema a todo el país. — "Yesterday, I generalised the problem to the whole country." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is generalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example generalice. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Imperfect
The imperfect of generalizar is used for an ongoing or repeated action in the past, background description and habits that no longer happen. Antes, yo generalizaba su experiencia a los demás. — "In the past, I used to generalise his experience to other people." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Future
The future of generalizar is used for what will happen, plans and predictions. Mañana, nosotros generalizaremos la conclusión a partir de un ejemplo. — "Tomorrow, we will generalise the conclusion from one example." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Conditional
The conditional of generalizar is used for what would happen, hypothetical situations and polite requests. Si pudieras, tú generalizarías la regla a todos los casos. — "If you could, you would generalise the rule to all cases." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Present perfect
The present perfect of generalizar is used for an action completed in the recent past that still matters now, or life experience up to now. Yo he generalizado el problema a todo el país. — "I have generalised the problem to the whole country." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Pluperfect
The pluperfect of generalizar is used for an action that had already happened before another past action. Antes de la fiesta, yo había generalizado su experiencia a los demás. — "Before the party, I had generalised his experience to other people." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Future perfect
The future perfect of generalizar is used for an action that will be finished by a point in the future. Para mañana, yo habré generalizado la conclusión a partir de un ejemplo. — "By tomorrow, I will have generalised the conclusion from one example." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Conditional perfect
The conditional perfect of generalizar is used for what would have happened if things had been different. Si hubiera podido, yo habría generalizado la regla a todos los casos. — "If I had been able to, I would have generalised the rule to all cases." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Present subjunctive
The present subjunctive of generalizar is used for wishes, doubts, emotions and requests after expressions such as espero que. Espero que él generalice el problema a todo el país. — "I hope that he/she generalises the problem to the whole country." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is generalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example generalice. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Imperfect subjunctive (-ra)
The imperfect subjunctive (-ra) of generalizar is used for the same subjunctive meanings in the past, and in si clauses about unreal situations. Si él generalizara su experiencia a los demás, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she generalised his experience to other people, everything would turn out better." For generalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem generaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Imperative (affirmative)
The imperative (affirmative) of generalizar is used for orders, instructions and invitations. ¡Generaliza la conclusión a partir de un ejemplo! — "Generalise the conclusion from one example!" Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is generalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example generalice. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Imperative (negative)
The imperative (negative) of generalizar is used for prohibitions and negative orders. No generalices la regla a todos los casos. — "Do not generalise the rule to all cases." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is generalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example generalice. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Examples: generalizar in real sentences
Ten sentences with generalizar, one for each main tense, each with its English translation. Read them aloud, then try changing the person and the complement to make your own versions.
- Cada día, yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "Every day, I generalise the rule to all cases." This is the present tense, used for a habit.
- Ayer, yo generalicé el problema a todo el país. — "Yesterday, I generalised the problem to the whole country." This is the preterite, one finished action.
- Antes, yo generalizaba su experiencia a los demás. — "In the past, I used to generalise his experience to other people." This is the imperfect, a repeated action in the past.
- Mañana, nosotros generalizaremos la conclusión a partir de un ejemplo. — "Tomorrow, we will generalise the conclusion from one example." This is the future tense, a plan for tomorrow.
- Si pudieras, tú generalizarías la regla a todos los casos. — "If you could, you would generalise the rule to all cases." This is the conditional, something that would happen.
- Yo he generalizado el problema a todo el país. — "I have generalised the problem to the whole country." This is the present perfect, an action with present relevance.
- Espero que él generalice su experiencia a los demás. — "I hope that he/she generalises his experience to other people." This is the present subjunctive, after espero que.
- Si él generalizara la conclusión a partir de un ejemplo, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she generalised the conclusion from one example, everything would turn out better." This is the imperfect subjunctive, in a si clause.
- ¡Generaliza la regla a todos los casos! — "Generalise the rule to all cases!" This is the imperative, a direct order or request.
- Ahora, Yo estoy generalizando el problema a todo el país. — "Now, I am generalising the problem to the whole country." This is the progressive, with estar and the gerund.
Common mistakes with generalizar
The errors learners actually make with generalizar, each with the wrong form, the right form, and why it is wrong.
Mistake 1: Adding a reflexive pronoun that does not belong
- Wrong: Yo me generalizo la regla a todos los casos.
- Right: Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos.
- Why: generalizar is not reflexive, so there is no pronoun to add. Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. is the correct sentence, and the extra pronoun changes the meaning.
Mistake 2: Using the present tense after espero que
- Wrong: Espero que él generaliza el problema a todo el país.
- Right: Espero que él generalice el problema a todo el país.
- Why: After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and for generalizar the subjunctive also changes z to c: generalice, not generaliza.
Mistake 3: Using the present tense for yesterday
- Wrong: Ayer, yo generalizo el problema a todo el país.
- Right: Ayer, yo generalicé el problema a todo el país.
- Why: Ayer means yesterday, so the action is finished and needs the preterite. The present tense is for habits and routines, not for yesterday: Ayer, yo generalicé el problema a todo el país. — "Yesterday, I generalised the problem to the whole country."
Mistake 4: Mixing up the gerund and the participle
- Wrong: Estoy generalizado su experiencia a los demás.
- Right: Estoy generalizando su experiencia a los demás.
- Why: After estar you need the gerund generalizando for the progressive. The participle generalizado goes with haber in the perfect tenses (he generalizado), never after estar.
Mistake 5: Using the él form for nosotros
- Wrong: Nosotros generaliza la regla a todos los casos.
- Right: Nosotros generalizamos la regla a todos los casos.
- Why: The person and the ending must match: nosotros takes generalizamos, while generaliza belongs to él and ella. Check the person first, then choose the form.
Quiz: generalizar conjugation
Test yourself with ten questions on generalizar. The answers are explained, so read them even when you get a question right.
1. What is the yo form of generalizar in the present tense?
- (a) generalizamos
- (b) generalizo
- (c) generalizas
- (d) generaliza
Answer: (b) generalizo. The yo form is generalizo. Check the person before you answer.
2. What is the tú form of generalizar in the present tense?
- (a) generalizas
- (b) generalizo
- (c) generaliza
- (d) generalizamos
Answer: (a) generalizas. The tú form is generalizas. Check the person before you answer.
3. What is the él/ella form of generalizar in the present tense?
- (a) generalizo
- (b) generalizas
- (c) generalizamos
- (d) generaliza
Answer: (d) generaliza. The él/ella form is generaliza. Check the person before you answer.
4. What is the nosotros form of generalizar in the present tense?
- (a) generalizas
- (b) generaliza
- (c) generalizamos
- (d) generalizo
Answer: (c) generalizamos. The nosotros form is generalizamos. Check the person before you answer.
5. What is the ellos/ellas form of generalizar in the present tense?
- (a) generaliza
- (b) generalizan
- (c) generalizo
- (d) generalizas
Answer: (b) generalizan. The ellos/ellas form is generalizan. Check the person before you answer.
6. What is the gerund of generalizar?
- (a) generalizar
- (b) generalizando
- (c) generalizado
- (d) generalizo
Answer: (b) generalizando. The gerund is generalizando, used for the progressive: estoy generalizando.
7. What is the past participle of generalizar?
- (a) generalizado
- (b) generalizando
- (c) generalicé
- (d) generalizar
Answer: (a) generalizado. The past participle is generalizado, used with haber in all perfect tenses: he generalizado.
8. Complete the sentence: Cada día, yo ___ la regla a todos los casos.
- (a) generalizas
- (b) generaliza
- (c) generalizamos
- (d) generalizo
Answer: (d) generalizo. The sentence needs the yo form generalizo (Every day, I generalise the rule to all cases.)
9. What is the yo form of generalizar in the preterite?
- (a) generalizó
- (b) generalizamos
- (c) generalicé
- (d) generalizaste
Answer: (c) generalicé. The yo preterite is generalicé. The preterite describes one finished action.
10. Complete the sentence: Espero que él ___ su experiencia a los demás.
- (a) generalice
- (b) generalices
- (c) generalicemos
- (d) generalicéis
Answer: (a) generalice. After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and the él form is generalice.
Frequently asked questions about generalizar
Is generalizar regular?
Almost. generalizar is a spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb, so its endings are regular but its spelling changes in some forms: Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is generalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example generalice. The rest of the conjugation follows the regular pattern, and the tables above show every form exactly.
What does generalizar mean, and when do I use it?
generalizar means "to generalise" in English. Use it when you talk about the rule to all cases, the problem to the whole country, his experience to other people and the conclusion from one example — for example: Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "I generalise the rule to all cases." It is a practical verb for everyday conversation, and it appears in all the tenses on this page.
How do you say it in a real sentence?
A natural sentence is: Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "I generalise the rule to all cases." Change the person using the table above, and change the complement to talk about your own life: the verb stays the same, only the ending changes.
Is there a reflexive form of generalizar?
No. generalizar is not reflexive, so it is used without a pronoun: Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "I generalise the rule to all cases." Adding me, te or se would change the meaning, so keep the verb plain unless you mean the reflexive partner.
When do I use the present tense instead of the preterite with generalizar?
Use the present for habits and routines: Yo generalizo la regla a todos los casos. — "I generalise the rule to all cases." Use the preterite for one finished action: Ayer, yo generalicé la regla a todos los casos. — "Yesterday, I generalised the rule to all cases." If the action happens regularly, choose the present; if it happened once and is finished, choose the preterite.