el bolígrafo
/el boliɡɾafo/from spelling rules
el bolígrafo is the Spanish word for pen.
el bolígrafo is used to refer to a pen used for writing with ink. Specifically, it refers to a ballpoint pen.
Which one should you use?
While el bolígrafo refers to a ballpoint pen, you should use el lápiz if you are referring to a pencil. Use la pluma as a synonym when you want to be more formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, la lapicera is a common term for a pen. In Spain, it is also common informally to refer to a pen as el bic.
How do you pronounce it?
/el boliɡɾafo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use el bolígrafo when you mean a pencil. Use el lápiz instead.
Did you know?
- The word bolígrafo is a relatively modern invention, with its first recorded use appearing only in 1947. It was created by combining the words for 'ball' and 'writer'.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, la lapicera is used for a pen, which can confuse learners since lapicera shares a root with lápiz meaning 'pencil'.
- While bolígrafo is standard, using la pluma can signal a higher social status or a more traditional, professional setting.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puede prestarme un bolígrafo?Please, can you lend me a pen?
- ¡Oye, pásame el boli!Hey, pass me the pen!
- ¿Me alcanzas la birome, por favor?Can you hand me the pen, please?
- Necesito el bolígrafo azul.I need the blue pen.
- ¿Dónde está el bolígrafo?Where is the pen?
- El bolígrafo no escribe bien.The pen does not write well.
Example conversation
Javier and María are in a classroom.
- JavierMaría, ¿tienes el bolígrafo?María, do you have the pen?
- MaríaNo, Javier, no lo tengo.No, Javier, I don't have it.
- JavierCreo que el bolígrafo está aquí.I think the pen is here.
- María¡Ah, sí! Ahí está.Ah, yes! There it is.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolígrafo, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
