modificado genéticamente
/modifikado xenetikamente/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'genetically modified' is said as modificado genéticamente.
The phrase is an adjective used to describe something produced by genetic modification. To refer specifically to 'genetically modified organisms' (GMOs), you use the full phrase organismos modificados genéticamente, which is often abbreviated as OGM.
Meaning: produced by genetic modification (adj)
Which one should you use?
While modificado genéticamente is the standard way to say 'genetically modified', the adjective transgénico is frequently used as a shorthand for genetically modified organisms in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase organismo genéticamente modificado is used frequently in formal discussions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle modificado must agree in both gender and number with the noun it describes. For example, use modificada genéticamente for a feminine singular noun and modificados genéticamente for a masculine plural noun.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regulatory contexts, the term biotecnología is used as a more positive-sounding euphemism to avoid the potential stigma attached to the word modificado.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term transgénico carries a stronger negative connotation and is used in protests, whereas modificado genéticamente sounds more like neutral scientific terminology.
- The word transgénico is often used as a standalone noun in Spanish-speaking markets, whereas in English we almost always require the full 'genetically modified' phrase or the acronym 'GMO'.
Examples in context
- Los alimentos genéticamente modificados pueden tener ciertos beneficios para la salud humana.Genetically modified foods can have certain benefits for human health.
- Los alimentos transgénicos son una opción común en el mercado actual.Genetically modified foods are a common option in today's market.
- Este maíz fue modificado genéticamente.This corn was genetically modified.
- No quiero comer arroz modificado genéticamente.I don't want to eat genetically modified rice.
- El tomate modificado genéticamente es muy resistente.The genetically modified tomato is very resistant.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are grocery shopping together.
- Mateo¿Este producto es modificado genéticamente?Is this product genetically modified?
- ElenaSí, es un vegetal modificado genéticamente.Yes, it is a genetically modified vegetable.
- MateoPrefiero comprar productos naturales, Elena.I prefer to buy natural products, Elena.
- ElenaEstá bien, buscaremos algo más saludable.That's fine, we will look for something healthier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
