ADN
/ˌa ˌde ˈene/
In Spanish, DNA is said as ADN.
The term ADN is an acronym for the biological material that carries genetic information in living things. It is used in scientific or medical contexts.
Meaning: (informal, loosely) part of a living thing that carries genetic information (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ADN is the common acronym, the full formal name for the substance is Ácido Desoxirribonucleico.
How does it change in a sentence?
ADN is a masculine noun. When referring to it, it is typically preceded by the masculine definite article el, as in el ADN.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌa ˌde ˈene/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word huella for both a 'fingerprint' and a 'genetic footprint' or huella genética. This stems from the word meaning 'track' or 'trace' left behind.
- The spelling of ADN follows the Spanish convention of placing the acronym in the order of the words it represents, which is the reverse of the English 'DNA'.
- Because ADN is an acronym, the gender of the article depends on the first word of the full name, 'ácido'. Therefore, you must say el ADN rather than la ADN.
Examples in context
- Un test de ADN probó su inocencia.A DNA test proved he was innocent.This sentence shows how to use ADN in the context of a legal test.Tatoeba #2574395 by hayastan, translation #2183856 by CM
- El ADN es de un exconvicto llamado Yanni.The DNA belongs to an ex-con by the name of Yanni.This sentence demonstrates ownership using ADN.Tatoeba #10179893 by Seael, translation #10179876 by Amastan
- El ADN se extrae de una muestra de sangre.DNA is extracted from a blood sample.This sentence describes the process of extracting ADN from a sample.Tatoeba #1179104 by marcelostockle, translation #1179105 by marcelostockle
- ¿Sabías que el ADN es la base de la herencia genética?Did you know that DNA is the basis of genetic inheritance?
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching a science documentary on TV.
- AlejandroEl ADN de este animal es fascinante.The DNA of this animal is fascinating.
- SofíaEs cierto, la ciencia es increíble.It's true, science is incredible.
- AlejandroAprendí mucho sobre el ADN hoy.I learned a lot about DNA today.
- SofíaA mí también me interesa el tema.I am also interested in the subject.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ADN, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
