enzimas
/enθimas/from spelling rules
The English word 'enzymes' is translated into Spanish as enzimas.
enzimas refers to proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of enzimas is enzima. Because enzima is a feminine noun, the plural form is used with the feminine article las to say 'the enzymes' (las enzimas).
How do you pronounce it?
/enθimas/
Did you know?
- In spoken Spanish, the word enzimas often sounds identical to en cima, which means 'on top'. This can lead to humorous misunderstandings if someone says they are looking for enzimas in a place where something is simply sitting on top of a surface.
- While enzima describes a protein, the word fermento is often used in traditional Spanish culinary contexts to describe the enzyme action in bread or wine.
- Spanish speakers may use the verb enzimar to describe the process of adding enzymes to a substance, a usage less common in general English.
Examples in context
- En química, la característica de las enzimas (y catalizadores) para participar en ciertas reacciones químicas se llama especificidad.In Chemistry, the characteristic of enzymes (and catalysts) to participate in certain chemical reactions is called specificity.This sentence shows how the term enzimas is used when discussing chemical specificity.Tatoeba #10555678 by carlosalberto, translation #10555665 by carlosalberto
- Las enzimas son responsables de la digestión, la respiración, la fotosíntesis y el metabolismo. Son los encargados de formarnos a todos y de mantenernos vivos. Son los motores de la vida.Enzymes are responsible for digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolism. They are responsible for forming all of us and keeping us alive. They are the engines of life.This sentence explains the biological roles of enzimas in processes like digestion and metabolism.Tatoeba #10652656 by carlosalberto, translation #10652627 by carlosalberto
- Los procesos digestivos requieren la presencia de enzimas para descomponer los alimentos.Digestive processes require the presence of enzymes to break down food.
- Las enzimas ayudan a descomponer los alimentos.Enzymes help break down food.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are studying biology in a library.
- Sofía¿Sabes qué función tienen las enzimas?Do you know what function enzymes have?
- JavierSí, aceleran las reacciones químicas en el cuerpo.Yes, they speed up chemical reactions in the body.
- SofíaEres muy inteligente, Javier.You are very smart, Javier.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, solo estoy repasando.Thanks, Sofía, I am just reviewing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
