bolígrafo de tinta negra
/boliɡɾafo de tinta neɡɾa/from spelling rules
A black ink pen in Spanish is bolígrafo de tinta negra.
This phrase refers to a writing instrument that uses black ink.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bolígrafo (ballpoint pen), de (of), tinta (ink) and negra (black).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, pluma is frequently used to refer to a standard pen, making pluma de tinta negra a common choice, whereas bolígrafo is more technical or formal. In several Central American countries and Colombia, lapicero is a common term, such as lapicero de tinta negra.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the noun changes to bolígrafos de tinta negra. The description of the ink remains singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/boliɡɾafo de tinta neɡɾa/
Did you know?
- In some regions, lapicero is used for a pen, despite the word lápiz meaning 'pencil'.
- While bolígrafo is standard, using pluma in Mexico refers to any pen, even though pluma literally means 'feather'.
- The word bolígrafo is a literal description of the technology, combining bola for 'ball' and grafo for 'writing'.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una pluma de tinta negra?Where can I find a black ink pen?
- Necesito un bolígrafo de tinta negra.I need a black ink pen.
- ¿Tienes un bolígrafo de tinta negra?Do you have a black ink pen?
- El bolígrafo de tinta negra no escribe bien.The black ink pen does not write well.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are in a classroom.
- MaríaMateo, ¿me prestas un bolígrafo de tinta negra?Mateo, can you lend me a black ink pen?
- MateoClaro, María, aquí tienes uno.Sure, María, here you go.
- MaríaMuchas gracias por tu ayuda.Thank you very much for your help.
- MateoDe nada, no hay problema.You're welcome, no problem.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolígrafo, de, tinta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
