adn
/ah-day-EN (The stress is on the last syllable, N)/
DNA
The primary meaning of adn is 'DNA' (Deoxyribonucleic acid), the molecule carrying genetic instructions.
📝 In Action
La policía usó muestras de adn para identificar al sospechoso.
B2The police used DNA samples to identify the suspect.
Cada célula de nuestro cuerpo contiene una copia de nuestro adn.
B2Every cell in our body contains a copy of our DNA.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Acronym
Even though 'ADN' is a long name, it is always treated as masculine in Spanish, using 'el' or 'un': 'el adn'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
In Spanish, the letters are usually pronounced individually: 'ah-day-en', rather than trying to blend the sounds like English speakers sometimes do ('dee-en-ay').
Adn can also refer to 'essence' or the fundamental nature/core identity of something.
adn(noun)
essence
?core identity or nature
core values
?corporate/cultural identity
,identity
?fundamental nature
📝 In Action
La innovación está en el adn de nuestra empresa.
C1Innovation is in the DNA (the core essence) of our company.
La hospitalidad es parte del adn de la cultura andaluza.
C1Hospitality is part of the DNA (the fundamental identity) of Andalusian culture.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning refers to the deepest, most characteristic quality of something (a person, a city, or a company), much like a blueprint.
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Context
Use this meaning when describing a foundational characteristic that cannot easily be changed, often using the phrase 'estar en el adn de...' (to be in the DNA of...).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: adn
Question 1 of 1
¿En cuál de estas frases 'adn' se usa en su sentido figurado (no científico)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I capitalize 'adn' in Spanish?
Yes, 'ADN' is technically an acronym and is most often written in capital letters in published Spanish texts, similar to English (DNA). However, since it is pronounced as a single word 'ah-day-en', some style guides accept 'adn' in lowercase for informal use.
Is 'adn' masculine or feminine?
It is always masculine: 'el adn'. This is because, even though the full phrase starts with 'ácido' (acid, masculine), acronyms often default to the gender of the main defining noun. For ADN, it is treated as masculine.