gene

HEH-neh/ˈxene/

“gene” means “gene” in Spanish (biological unit of heredity).

Also: factor

General

📝 In Action

Los científicos identificaron el gene responsable del color de las flores.

Scientists identified the gene responsible for the color of the flowers.

Ella cree que tiene un gene que la hace muy alta.

She believes she has a gene that makes her very tall.

La terapia con este gene podría curar la enfermedad.

Therapy with this gene could cure the disease.

Words that translate to "gene" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'the genes' in Spanish?

👥 Word Family▼

genética(genetics) — Noun

genético(genetic) — Adjective

genoma(genome) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'genos' meaning 'race' or 'offspring', it entered scientific Spanish in the 20th century to describe the basic unit of heredity.

First recorded: Early 20th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: geneFrench: gèneItalian: gene

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Is 'gene' or 'gen' better to use?

Both are correct and accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), but 'gen' is significantly more common in modern speech and writing.

Is 'gene' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine (el gene), despite ending in 'e'.

How do you pronounce the 'g' in 'gene'?

In Spanish, a 'g' before 'e' or 'i' sounds like a raspy English 'h' (like in 'hot'), similar to the Spanish 'j'.