bolígrafo
/boˈliɡɾafo/
The Spanish word bolígrafo means bolígrafo (phrase).
bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen. In informal speech, it is often shortened to boli.
Which one should you use?
While bolígrafo refers specifically to a ballpoint pen, the word pluma or lapicero is often used to refer to a pen in general.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, lapicero is a commonly used term for pen. In many Latin American countries, people also use the word pluma to refer to a pen. In certain South American countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador, the term esfero is used to refer to a pen.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- While pluma is used for 'pen' in many countries, it literally means 'feather', referring to the ancient quill pens.
- The word bolígrafo did not appear in the Spanish language until 1947, following the commercial success of the ballpoint pen.
- The suffix -grafo in bolígrafo is the same one found in English words like 'photograph' or 'telegraph'.
Examples in context
- Necesito un bolígrafo para firmar el contrato.I need a pen to sign the contract.
- Por favor, podría prestarme una pluma para tomar apuntes?Could you please lend me a pen to take notes?
- ¿Me prestas tu boli? Necesito escribir algo rápidamente.Can you lend me your pen? I need to write something quickly.
- ¿Me puedes dar un lapicero? Perdí el mío y necesito anotar unas cosas.Can you give me a pen? I lost mine, and I need to jot down some things.
- Necesito un bolígrafo para firmar el documento.I need a pen to sign the document.
- ¿Me prestas tu bolígrafo azul, por favor?Can you lend me your blue pen, please?
Example conversation
María and Javier are in a classroom.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes un bolígrafo extra?Javier, do you have an extra pen?
- JavierSí, tengo uno aquí.Yes, I have one here.
- MaríaGracias, necesito este bolígrafo para el examen.Thanks, I need this pen for the exam.
- JavierDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bolígrafo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
