Necesito un lápiz
/neθesito un lapiθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I need a pencil" is translated into Spanish as Necesito un lápiz.
While un lápiz refers to the whole pencil, if you are specifically referring to the pencil lead or a refill, you would use una mina.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Necesito un lápiz, the verb necesito is the first-person singular present indicative form of necesitar (to need). The noun lápiz is singular. Its plural form is lápices.
How do you pronounce it?
/neθesito un lapiθ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because lápiz is a masculine noun, avoid the common mistake of using feminine articles like la before it.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, lápiz is a doublet of lápida, which means 'tombstone'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use a diminutive like lapicito when asking for a favor to make the request sound softer and more polite.
- If you are in a country like Mexico or Spain, you might also hear people use the word portaminas if they are actually looking for a mechanical pencil.
Examples in context
- Necesito un lápiz. ¿Puedo coger el tuyo?I need a pencil. Can I take yours?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow someone's pencil using Necesito un lápiz.Tatoeba #1970582 by Shishir, translation #8169742 by kittles
- Necesito un lápiz, ¿puedo usar uno de los tuyos?I need a pencil. Can I use one of yours?This sentence is useful for asking to use one of someone's pencils using Necesito un lápiz.Tatoeba #9706986 by Shishir, translation #25775 by CK
- Necesito un lápiz.I need a pencil.This sentence is a simple statement of the phrase Necesito un lápiz.Tatoeba #1539909 by marcelostockle, translation #2631959 by Joseph
- Disculpe, ¿tiene usted un lápiz que pueda prestar?Excuse me, do you have a pencil that you could lend?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying in a library.
- LucíaNecesito un lápiz para el examen.I need a pencil for the exam.
- MateoTengo uno en mi estuche.I have one in my pencil case.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, eres muy amable.Thank you, Mateo, you are very kind.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lápiz, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
