proteína
/pɾoteˈina/feminine
The Spanish word for protein is proteína.
proteína refers to a class of food.
Meaning: class of food (noun)
Which one should you use?
The singular form proteína is used to refer to the substance in general. However, the plural form proteínas is frequently used when discussing different types or sources of protein within a nutritional context.
How does it change in a sentence?
proteína is a feminine noun, so it uses the feminine article la (e.g., la proteína). The plural form is proteínas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoteˈina/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, the word proteína is used colloquially in gym culture to refer specifically to the supplement powder rather than the nutrient itself.
- The word proteína follows a pattern in Spanish where many scientific terms ending in 'in' in English take an 'a' ending, like insulina for 'insulin'.
- While proteína describes the nutrient, Spanish speakers often use the word proteicos as an adjective to describe foods high in protein, such as alimentos proteicos.
Examples in context
- Ella se tomó una malteada de proteínas.She took a protein shake.This sentence shows how to use proteína in the context of a protein shake.Tatoeba #4986547 by cueyayotl, translation #1740870 by Spamster
- La carne y huevos tienen mucha proteína.Meat and eggs have a lot of protein.This sentence illustrates how to describe the protein content in meat and eggs using proteína.Tatoeba #1214105 by marcelostockle, translation #997086 by CK
- La dieta de Tom es deficiente en proteínas.Tom's diet is deficient in protein.This sentence demonstrates how to use proteína when discussing a diet's nutrient levels.Tatoeba #1214106 by marcelostockle, translation #1023856 by CK
- La proteína es un nutriente esencial para el crecimiento muscular.Protein is an essential nutrient for muscle growth.
- Es importante consumir diferentes proteínas para obtener una nutrición equilibrada.It's important to consume different proteins for a balanced nutrition.
- Necesito más proteína en mi dieta para ganar músculo.I need more protein in my diet to gain muscle.
- La proteína es fundamental para el desarrollo adecuado del cuerpo humano.Protein is essential for proper human body development.
- Los alimentos ricos en proteínas deben ser parte de una dieta equilibrada.Food rich in proteins should be part of a balanced diet.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing their diet at the gym.
- DanielNecesito comer más proteína después de entrenar.I need to eat more protein after working out.
- LucíaPuedes comer pollo o pescado, Daniel.You can eat chicken or fish, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Cuál es la mejor fuente de proteína?Which is the best source of protein?
- LucíaLos huevos son una opción excelente.Eggs are an excellent option.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protein” translations and entries proteína, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
