Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bolígrafo | /boˈliɡɾafo/ | masculine |
| pluma | /ˈpluma/ | feminine |
| boli | /ˈboli/ | colloquial, masculine, short form |
| lapicera | /lapiˈθeɾa/ /lapiˈseɾa/ |
feminine |
| lapicero | /lapiˈθeɾo/ /lapiˈseɾo/ |
masculine |
| esfero | /esˈfeɾo/ | masculine |
| lapiz de pasta | /lapiθ de pasta/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /lapis de pasta/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
While many words exist for a writing tool, bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen. The word pluma can refer to any pen, but it specifically describes a fountain pen or a quill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lápiz de pasta literally translates to 'paste pencil'.
Which one should you use?
Bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen, whereas pluma is used specifically for fountain pens or quills. Boli is a shortened version of bolígrafo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boli is a colloquial, informal shortening of bolígrafo used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia and parts of Central America, esfero is the standard term for a ballpoint pen. In some regions, the phrase lápiz de pasta is used to describe a ballpoint pen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pluma and lapicera are feminine nouns, while bolígrafo, lapicero, esfero and lápiz de pasta are masculine nouns. The shortened form boli is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- The use of pluma was historically associated with the upper class, which may have helped it preserve its original Latin pronunciation.
- The word esfero used in Colombia is derived from the word for 'sphere', referencing the tiny ball inside the pen tip.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term lapicera refers to the pen itself, while in others it refers specifically to the pen holder or case.
Examples in context
- Tom bajó su pluma.Tom put down his pen.This sentence shows the use of pluma.Tatoeba #4594925 by cueyayotl, translation #1024320 by CK
- Me robaron el boli.I had my pen stolen.This sentence shows the use of boli.Tatoeba #13555721 by Seael, translation #252201 by CK
- Me robaron mi pluma.My pen has been stolen.Tatoeba #1532980 by marcelostockle, translation #1504670 by CM
- Se me olvidó mi boli en casa.I forgot my pen at home.
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a classroom, Maria asks Mateo for a writing tool.
- María¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?Can you lend me a pen?
- MateoSí, aquí tienes uno.Yes, here is one.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Mateo.Thank you very much, Mateo.
- MateoDe nada, María.You're welcome, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries bolígrafo, pluma, boli, lapicera, lapicero, esfero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boli, bolígrafo, lapicera, pluma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
