génesis
/ˈxenesis/feminine
The English phrase "genesis" is translated into Spanish as génesis.
génesis is used to describe the origin, start or the point at which something comes into being.
Meaning: the origin, start, or point at which something comes into being (noun)
Which one should you use?
When used as a common noun meaning the origin of a process or concept, it is feminine. When referring to the specific book of the Bible, it is used as el Génesis.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a common noun meaning 'the origin', the word is feminine (la génesis). However, when referring specifically to the biblical book, the word takes the masculine article el and is capitalized as el Génesis.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxenesis/
Did you know?
- Because génesis is borrowed from Greek, it belongs to a group of Spanish words that often retain a more formal or academic tone compared to synonyms like inicio or comienzo.
- In Spanish, the word génesis can be used to describe the biological development of an embryo, not just a philosophical or historical starting point.
- The Spanish word génesis was borrowed from Latin, which had previously taken it from the Ancient Greek word γένεσις.
Examples in context
- El relato de la creación en el Génesis no menciona ni a los hongos, ni a los protistas, ni a las bacterias ni a las arqueas.The creation story in Genesis doesn't mention fungi, protists, bacteria or archaea.This sentence is useful for seeing how to refer to the creation story in the génesis.Tatoeba #13816464 by Seael, translation #13818998 by araneo
- El relato de la creación en el Génesis no menciona a los hongos.The Genesis creation narrative does not mention fungi.This sentence shows how to use génesis when discussing the creation narrative.Tatoeba #13813728 by rul, translation #12824366 by rul
- El libro del Génesis es el primer libro de la Biblia.The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible.
- El génesis de este proyecto fue una idea simple.The genesis of this project was a simple idea.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new project at work.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿cuál fue la génesis de esta idea?María, what was the genesis of this idea?
- MaríaSurgió durante una reunión el mes pasado.It arose during a meeting last month.
- AlejandroParece que fue un proceso muy creativo.It seems it was a very creative process.
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, trabajamos mucho en el concepto.Yes, Alejandro, we worked a lot on the concept.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genesis” translations and entries génesis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries génesis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
