¿me prestas un lápiz?
To say "can I get a pencil?" in Spanish, you use ¿me prestas un lápiz?
This phrase is used to politely request to borrow a pencil from someone.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ¿me prestas un lápiz? translates to "Will you lend me a pencil?"
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction in meaning between asking to borrow something and asking to keep it. While ¿me prestas un lápiz? implies that you will return the pencil, the phrase ¿me das un lápiz? implies that you are asking for the pencil to be given to you permanently.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the informal phrase me pasas un lápiz can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more formal or polite when speaking to a stranger or an elder, change the verb from prestas to presta in the phrase ¿Me presta un lápiz?
Did you know?
- The Spanish word lápiz is a linguistic doublet of lápida, the word for 'tombstone'. Both words share the same Latin root meaning 'stone'.
- In a classroom setting, a student who says ¿me prestas un lápiz? may not actually expect it back if the pencil is very short or worn down.
- Because lápiz ends in z, its plural form lápices changes the z to a c to follow Spanish spelling rules for soft sounds.
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿me puedes dar un lápiz, por favor?Hey, can you give me a pencil, please?
- Sí, claro. Aquí tienes.Yes, of course. Here you go.
- No tengo nada para escribir, ¿me prestas un lápiz?I have nothing to write with, can I borrow a pencil?
Example conversation
Javier and Sofia are sitting in a classroom.
- JavierHola, Sofía, ¿me prestas un lápiz?Hi Sofia, can I borrow a pencil?
- SofíaSí, claro. Ten, aquí tienes.Yes, of course. Here you go.
- JavierMuchas gracias, te lo devuelvo pronto.Thank you very much, I'll give it back soon.
- SofíaNo hay problema, Javier.No problem, Javier.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lápiz, me, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
