síndrome de Down
/ˌsindɾome de ˈdaun/masculine
Down syndrome in Spanish is síndrome de Down.
síndrome de Down refers to the genetic disorder caused by a chromosomal excess. When referring to an individual, it is more common and respectful to use the phrase persona con síndrome de Down (person with Down syndrome) rather than just the name of the condition.
Meaning: genetic disorder caused by a chromosomal excess (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, speakers refer to the condition as trisomía 21.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun síndrome is masculine, so it is preceded by the masculine article el (e.g., el síndrome de Down).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsindɾome de ˈdaun/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the preposition de between síndrome and Down, but it is required in Spanish.
Did you know?
- The word síndrome is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word sundromḗ, which literally means 'running together' or 'confluence'.
- While downiano exists as a word for someone with the condition, it is often avoided in Spanish-speaking cultures because it can be seen as reductive or stigmatizing.
Examples in context
- El Síndrome de Down es una condición genética que causa discapacidad intelectual y rasgos físicos distintivos.Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability and distinctive physical features.
- El síndrome de Down es una condición genética.Down syndrome is a genetic condition.
- Mi primo tiene síndrome de Down.My cousin has Down syndrome.
- Muchos niños con síndrome de Down son muy alegres.Many children with Down syndrome are very happy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new student in class.
- MateoHola Lucía, ¿quién es el chico nuevo?Hi Lucía, who is the new boy?
- LucíaSe llama Leo y tiene síndrome de Down.His name is Leo and he has Down syndrome.
- MateoParece muy amable y alegre.He seems very kind and cheerful.
- LucíaSí, Mateo, es un niño muy dulce.Yes, Mateo, he is a very sweet boy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “down syndrome” translations and entries síndrome de Down, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, down, síndrome, síndrome de Down, CC BY-SA 4.0.
