ADN
/a.de.ɛn/
In French, DNA is translated as ADN.
ADN is used to refer to the part of a living thing that carries genetic information. It is often used in informal or loose contexts to refer to the biological substance itself.
Meaning: (informal, loosely) part of a living thing that carries genetic information (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
ADN is an acronym for acide désoxyribonucléique.
How does it change in a sentence?
ADN is a masculine noun, so you should use masculine articles and adjectives, such as un test ADN. Because ADN starts with a vowel sound, the definite article le elides to l' when used before it (e.g., l'ADN).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a.de.ɛn/ in three syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, ADN is used metaphorically to describe the core identity or 'spirit' of a brand or organization, such as saying a luxury company has ADN of elegance.
- While English speakers use 'DNA' as a noun, French speakers often use the acronym as an adjective in compounds, such as in profil ADN or échantillon ADN, without needing an extra preposition.
- The term ADN is frequently used in French sports journalism to describe a team's 'DNA', such as l'ADN du club, to refer to a historical style of play.
Examples in context
- L'ADN ne ment pas.DNA doesn't lie.This sentence demonstrates how to use ADN when making a statement about its reliability.Tatoeba #8659273 by Micsmithel, translation #6358907 by OsoHombre
- Aucune preuve ADN n'a été trouvée.No DNA evidence was found.This sentence shows how to use ADN in the context of evidence.Tatoeba #6841250 by Aiji, translation #4816773 by Hybrid
- L'ADN de Sami a été trouvé dans le gant.Sami's DNA was found on the glove.This sentence shows how to use ADN to indicate ownership or origin.Tatoeba #8350021 by zarisi, translation #6710164 by OsoHombre
- Les scientifiques étudient l'acide désoxyribonucléique pour comprendre les mécanismes de l'hérédité.Scientists study DNA to understand the mechanisms of heredity.
- La police a prélevé de l'ADN sur la scène de crime pour l'analyser en laboratoire.The police collected DNA from the crime scene for analysis in the laboratory.
- Une bonne compréhension de l'acide désoxyribonucléique est essentielle pour les avancées scientifiques du XXIe siècle.A good understanding of DNA is essential for 21st-century scientific advancements.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a science project in a university library.
- ChloéTu comprends comment fonctionne l'ADN ?Do you understand how DNA works?
- LucasC'est un peu compliqué pour moi.It is a bit complicated for me.
- ChloéOn peut regarder un tutoriel ensemble.We can watch a tutorial together.
- LucasC'est une bonne idée, Chloé.That is a good idea, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ADN, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
