¿puedo afilar mi lápiz?
The English phrase 'can I sharpen my pencil' is translated into Spanish as ¿puedo afilar mi lápiz?
This phrase is used to request permission to make a pencil sharp again using a sharpener. You can use the verb afilar to mean 'to sharpen', or the more common phrase sacarle punta.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb afilar literally means 'to sharpen' or 'to make sharp'. The word mi means 'my' and lápiz means 'pencil'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ¿puedo afilar mi lápiz? uses the verb afilar, while the phrase ¿Puedo sacarle punta a mi lápiz? uses the expression sacar punta (literally 'to take point') to express the same action.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase sacar punta is a more common way to say 'to sharpen' a pencil than using the verb afilar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive adjective mi must agree in number with the noun lápiz, which is singular in this phrase.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word lápiz shares a historical root with lápida, the word for a 'gravestone'.
- While afilar means 'to sharpen', it is also the root of the word filo which refers to the 'edge' or 'blade' of a knife.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking to 'take a point' (sacar punta) is so common that the actual tool used is called a sacapuntas.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿puedo afilar mi lápiz?Excuse me, can I sharpen my pencil?
- Si no te importa, ¿puedo afilar mi lápiz?If you don't mind, can I sharpen my pencil?
Example conversation
In a classroom, Javier is looking for a sharpener.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedo afilar mi lápiz?Lucía, can I sharpen my pencil?
- LucíaSí, Javier, puedes usar mi sacapuntas.Yes, Javier, you can use my sharpener.
- JavierMuchas gracias por tu ayuda.Thank you very much for your help.
- LucíaDe nada, no hay problema.You're welcome, no problem.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afilar, lápiz, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
