genEl

Genel is a Turkish adjective meaning general, broad, or overall. It describes things that are not specific or targeted, conveying a sense of common characteristics, broad scope, or overarching status. In everyday language it is often paired with words to form common expressions such as general information, general situation, or general practice. It contrasts with özel, which means private or particular.

The term is widely used in official and administrative contexts. It appears in phrases such as genel bilgiler (general information), genel durum (overall situation), and genel olarak (in general). In governance and organization, genel kurul (general assembly) and genel müdür (general manager) are standard terms, while genel kurul toplantısı refers to a general assembly meeting. In military and state terminology, genellikle as part of compound words such as Genelkurmay Başkanlığı (Office of the Chief of the General Staff) and genelkurmay, reflecting its sense of broad national leadership.

Etymology traces genel to the French général, passing into Ottoman Turkish and then modern Turkish. The word has since become an integral part of everyday Turkish, appearing in education, business, politics, and media. Its flexibility allows it to modify nouns across domains while maintaining a clear contrast with specialized or private meanings.