fotosíntesis
/ˌfotoˈsintesis/feminine
The Spanish word for photosynthesis is fotosíntesis.
fotosíntesis is a noun used to describe the biological process.
Meaning: biological process (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the prefix foto-, which is derived from the Greek word for light, mirroring the English prefix 'photo-'.
How does it change in a sentence?
fotosíntesis is a feminine noun, so it is preceded by the feminine article la (the photosynthesis). When talking about the process, you typically use the verb realizar (to perform/carry out) or hacer (to do) to say 'to perform/undergo photosynthesis'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌfotoˈsintesis/
Did you know?
- While fotosíntesis describes the biological process, Spanish speakers use the word síntesis as a common noun for a 'summary' or 'synopsis' of a book or article.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase dar luz (to give light) in poetic or spiritual contexts, creating a linguistic contrast with the clinical, Greek-rooted term fotosíntesis.
- The word fotosíntesis belongs to a large family of Spanish scientific terms that maintain their Greek roots, making them almost identical to their English equivalents despite different phonetic rules.
Examples in context
- Las plantas necesitan estar en un lugar iluminado para realizar la fotosíntesis.Plants need to be in a well-lit place to undergo photosynthesis.This sentence shows that plants require light to undergo fotosíntesis.Tatoeba #1350422 by Kiraness, translation #1559509 by sam_m
- Era una chica raquítica, como una hoja amarillenta que no consigue realizar la fotosíntesis.She was a rickety girl, like a yellowish leaf that can't do photosynthesis.This sentence uses fotosíntesis in a metaphorical comparison.Tatoeba #978504 by Shishir, translation #9381906 by DJ_Saidez
- Las enzimas son responsables de la digestión, la respiración, la fotosíntesis y el metabolismo. Son los encargados de formarnos a todos y de mantenernos vivos. Son los motores de la vida.Enzymes are responsible for digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolism. They are responsible for forming all of us and keeping us alive. They are the engines of life.This sentence lists fotosíntesis among other biological processes like digestion and respiration.Tatoeba #10652656 by carlosalberto, translation #10652627 by carlosalberto
- La fotosíntesis es vital para la supervivencia de las plantas.Photosynthesis is vital for the survival of plants.
Example conversation
Two students are studying for a biology exam in a library.
- Mateo¿Entiendes cómo funciona la fotosíntesis?Do you understand how photosynthesis works?
- LucíaSí, lo estudié ayer en clase.Yes, I studied it yesterday in class.
- MateoEs un proceso fascinante para la vida.It is a fascinating process for life.
- LucíaEs verdad, Mateo, es muy importante.It's true, Mateo, it is very important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “photosynthesis” translations and entries fotosíntesis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
