enzima lactasa
/enθima laɡtasa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "lactase enzyme" is translated into Spanish as enzima lactasa.
The term refers to a protein that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk, into simpler sugars.
Which one should you use?
Enzima lactasa is the standard term, while enzima para digerir la lactosa is an informal way to describe the same thing by saying "enzyme to digest lactose".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural ending -s, resulting in enzimas lactasas.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθima laɡtasa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people may describe the lack of enzima lactasa as no aguantar la leche, which literally means 'not enduring the milk'.
- The term enzima was borrowed into Spanish from the German word Enzym, which combined the Greek words for 'within' and 'leaven'.
- While enzima lactasa is the scientific term, people often use the term leche deslactosada to describe milk that has had the enzyme's work done to it during processing.
Examples in context
- El médico recomendó la enzima lactasa para tratar su intolerancia a la lactosa.The doctor recommended the lactase enzyme to treat your lactose intolerance.
- No puedo comer helado sin tomar lactasa antes.I can't eat ice cream without taking lactase before.
- La enzima lactasa ayuda a la digestión.The lactase enzyme helps with digestion.
- Necesito comprar suplementos con enzima lactasa.I need to buy supplements with lactase enzyme.
- La enzima lactasa descompone el azúcar de la leche.The lactase enzyme breaks down the milk sugar.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a restaurant looking at the menu.
- ElenaNo puedo comer el postre porque no tengo mi enzima lactasa.I cannot eat the dessert because I don't have my lactase enzyme.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Elena, yo tengo una pastilla.Don't worry, Elena, I have a pill.
- Elena¿Es la enzima lactasa?Is it the lactase enzyme?
- AlejandroSí, toma una y disfruta el dulce.Yes, take one and enjoy the sweet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enzima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
