Inklingo

enzima

en-SEE-mah/enˈθima/

enzima means enzyme in Spanish (biochemical catalyst).

enzyme

NounfB2
Spain
A colorful illustration of two organic shapes fitting perfectly together like puzzle pieces.

📝 In Action

La saliva contiene una enzima que ayuda a digerir el pan.

A2

Saliva contains an enzyme that helps digest bread.

Algunas personas no producen la enzima necesaria para procesar la leche.

B1

Some people don't produce the enzyme needed to process milk.

El laboratorio estudia cómo esta enzima acelera las reacciones químicas.

B2

The laboratory studies how this enzyme speeds up chemical reactions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • catalizador (catalyst)

Common Collocations

  • enzima digestivadigestive enzyme
  • actividad enzimáticaenzyme activity
  • reacción de enzimasenzyme reaction

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "enzima" in Spanish:

enzyme

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: enzima

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence refers to biology?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
enzimático(enzymatic)Adjective
enzimología(enzymology)Noun
coenzima(coenzyme)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Greek 'en' (inside) and 'zymē' (yeast/leaven). It literally describes something found inside yeast that helps things change.

First recorded: 19th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: enzymeFrench: enzymeGerman: Enzym

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'enzima' masculine or feminine?

It is feminine. You should always say 'la enzima' or 'las enzimas'.

How do I know if I should use a 'Z' or a 'C'?

Think of the context! If you are talking about science, biology, or digestion, use 'Z' (enzima). If you are talking about where something is located (on top), use 'C' (encima).

Do 'encima' and 'enzima' sound the same?

In Latin America, yes, they are pronounced exactly the same. In Spain, they are usually different: 'encima' has a soft 's' sound, while 'enzima' has a 'th' sound.