What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alimentos (foods), modificados (modified) and genéticamente (genetically).
Which one should you use?
You may encounter different terms depending on the context. Alimentos transgénicos is a way to say transgenic foods. In many Spanish-speaking countries, people often use the noun transgénicos as a shorthand for genetically modified foods or organisms. Alimentos GMO is an informal way to refer to these foods.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term productos transgénicos can be heard. Additionally, the formal term Alimentos Transgénicos is especially prevalent in Spain and some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to food in the singular, change the noun and the adjective to the singular form: alimento modificado genéticamente.
Did you know?
- The word genéticamente is formed from the adjective genético and the suffix -mente, which evolved from the Latin word mente meaning 'mind'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word transgénicos carries a stronger negative emotional weight and social stigma than the more clinical modificados genéticamente.
- While Alimentos GMO is used informally, it is an English acronym adopted into Spanish and is not a native Spanish term.
Examples in context
- Es importante tener en cuenta los efectos de los alimentos genéticamente modificados en nuestra salud.It is important to take into account the effects of genetically modified foods on our health.
- La industria alimentaria ha experimentado un incremento en la producción de alimentos transgénicos en los últimos años.The food industry has experienced an increase in the production of transgenic foods in recent years.
- Es fundamental contar con información clara y precisa sobre los productos modificados genéticamente que consumimos.It is fundamental to have clear and precise information about the genetically modified products we consume.
- Los alimentos GMO están presentes en muchos productos procesados que consumimos a diario.GMO foods are present in many processed products that we consume daily.
- Prefiero evitar los alimentos modificados genéticamente.I prefer to avoid genetically modified food.
- Muchos alimentos modificados genéticamente están en el supermercado.Many genetically modified foods are in the supermarket.
- ¿Es seguro consumir alimentos modificados genéticamente?Is it safe to consume genetically modified food?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at food labels in a grocery store.
- JavierElena, ¿estos son alimentos modificados genéticamente?Elena, is this genetically modified food?
- ElenaSí, Javier, lo dice la etiqueta.Yes, Javier, the label says so.
- JavierNo quiero comprar alimentos modificados genéticamente hoy.I don't want to buy genetically modified food today.
- ElenaEstá bien, busquemos otra opción.That's fine, let's look for another option.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genéticamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
