gen
/ˈxen/masculine
The English word 'gene' translates to Spanish as gen. Wiktionary also lists gene.
Meaning: unit of heredity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gen | /ˈxen/ | masculine |
| gene | /xene/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a unit of heredity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of gen is genes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxen/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the spelling gene in Spanish, but the standard Spanish spelling is gen.
Did you know?
- If you were to talk about 'genes' in a way that sounds like 'genies' in English, you would actually be saying genios in Spanish, which refers to geniuses or spirits.
- The Spanish word gen is a cognate of the English 'gene' but it is borrowed from the German 'Gen' rather than directly from Greek or English.
- While gen refers to the biological unit, the word género shares the same ancient Greek root meaning 'generation' or 'descent'.
Examples in context
- Algunas enfermedades son provocadas por un gen defectuoso.Some diseases are caused by a defective gene.This sentence is useful for describing how certain diseases are caused by a defective gen.Tatoeba #2324918 by marcelostockle, translation #681062 by Source_VOA
- Como se esperaba, la expresión del gen se redujo significativamente.As expected, expression of the gene was significantly reduced.This sentence is useful for discussing how the expression of a gen was reduced.Tatoeba #1172817 by marcelostockle, translation #1172816 by marcelostockle
- Un gen es una sustancia química, o una molécula, capaz de codificar, almacenar y transferir información entre organismos.A gene is a chemical substance, or a molecule, that can encode, store, and transfer information between organisms.This sentence is useful for defining what a gen is in terms of chemical substance and information transfer.Tatoeba #10582340 by carlosalberto, translation #10582334 by carlosalberto
- Se ha descubierto un gen que está relacionado con la obesidad.A gene related to obesity has been discovered.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a biology project in class.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿estudiaste cómo funciona este gen?Daniel, did you study how this gene works?
- DanielSí, Lucía, es un gen muy complejo.Yes, Lucía, it is a very complex gene.
- Lucía¿Crees que este gen causa la enfermedad?Do you think this gene causes the disease?
- DanielEl libro dice que ese gen es responsable.The book says that gene is responsible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gene” translations and entries gen, gene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gen, gene, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
