lápices de colores
/lapiθes de koloɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "colored pencils" is translated into Spanish as lápices de colores.
Lápices de colores refers to pencils with pigmented cores used for drawing and coloring.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "pencils of colors".
Which one should you use?
Use lápices de colores to distinguish them from standard graphite pencils, which are simply called lápices.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for a single colored pencil is lápiz de color. When pluralizing the noun, the stem changes from lápiz to lápices.
How do you pronounce it?
/lapiθes de koloɾes/
Did you know?
- The word lápiz shares a root with the English word 'lapidary', as both derive from the Latin lapis meaning 'stone'.
- While lápices de colores is the standard term, in some Latin American countries like Mexico, you might hear people simply call them colores in a casual setting.
- In professional art circles in Spain, you might hear lápices polícromos to describe high-end colored pencils, emphasizing a wide range of hues.
Examples in context
- Necesito lápices de colores.I need colored pencils.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for lápices de colores.Tatoeba #4410125 by pchamorro, translation #2631960 by Joseph
- ¿Quieres colorear con rotuladores o con lápices de colores?Do you want to color with markers or colored pencils?This sentence is useful for asking a preference between markers and lápices de colores.Tatoeba #10105975 by manufrutos, translation #10105678 by ddnktr
- Voy a comprar lápices de colores para mi clase de arte.I'm going to buy colored pencils for my art class.
- Me regalaron unos lápices de colores diferentes.I was given some different colored pencils as a gift.
- Mi hija siempre disfruta dibujar con sus pinturitas.My daughter always enjoys drawing with her colored pencils.
- Los niños usan lápices de colores en clase.The children use colored pencils in class.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are getting ready for an art class.
- María¿Tienes tus lápices de colores, Javier?Do you have your colored pencils, Javier?
- JavierSí, los tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have them in my backpack.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo también traje los míos.Perfect, I brought mine too.
- JavierEstamos listos para dibujar.We are ready to draw.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
