lápiz de color
/lapiθ de koloɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'color pencil' is translated into Spanish as lápiz de color.
In familiar contexts, you can also use the word colores to mean color pencils or similar coloring tools.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lápiz de color is literally constructed as 'pencil of color'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the term crayones may be used to refer to color pencils or crayons.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lápiz de color is lápices de colores.
How do you pronounce it?
/lapiθ de koloɾ/
Did you know?
- The word lápiz shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lapidary', which refers to someone who cuts precious stones.
- While lápiz de color is the standard term, many children in parts of Latin America use the word crayola as a generic term for any coloring tool, similar to how 'kleenex' is used for tissues.
- The plural form lápices involves a spelling change where the 'z' becomes a 'c'.
Examples in context
- Necesito un lápiz de color azul.I need a blue color pencil.
- ¿Tienes un lápiz de color rojo?Do you have a red color pencil?
- El lápiz de color se rompió.The color pencil broke.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are working on a school art project together.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿me prestas un lápiz de color?Alejandro, can you lend me a color pencil?
- AlejandroSí, aquí tienes un lápiz de color verde.Yes, here is a green color pencil.
- SofíaGracias, es el color perfecto para el dibujo.Thanks, it is the perfect color for the drawing.
- AlejandroDe nada, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, I hope it helps you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries color, de, lápiz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
