bolígrafo
/boˈliɡɾafo/
The English phrase "ink pen" is translated into Spanish as bolígrafo.
A bolígrafo is a writing tool that uses a small metal ball to dispense ink onto paper.
Which one should you use?
While bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen, the term pluma can sometimes refer to a fountain pen depending on the country.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word pluma is frequently used to refer to a ballpoint pen, whereas bolígrafo is more formal or standard.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make bolígrafo plural, add an 's' to form bolígrafos.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term birome is used instead of bolígrafo. This is a brand-name eponym derived from László Bíró, the Hungarian inventor of the ballpoint pen.
- The word pluma literally means 'feather', which serves as a linguistic fossil from the era before metal pens when people wrote with actual bird quills.
- The word bolígrafo only appeared in the Spanish language around 1947, coinciding with the commercial popularity of the ballpoint pen.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿me prestas tu bolígrafo?Please, can you lend me your ink pen?
- Me olvidé la pluma en casaI forgot my ink pen at home.
- El documento debe ser firmado con una esferográficaThe document must be signed with a ballpoint pen.
- Presta atención, necesito mi boli de nuevoPay attention, I need my pen back
- No encuentro mi lapicero favoritoI can't find my favorite pen.
- Pásame el rotulador para anotar estoPass me the pen to write this down.
- Necesito un bolígrafo para el examen.I need an ink pen for the exam.
- ¿Me prestas tu bolígrafo azul?Will you lend me your blue ink pen?
- El bolígrafo no tiene tinta.The ink pen has no ink.
Example conversation
Elena is sitting in a cafe and realizes she cannot sign a document.
- ElenaJavier, ¿tienes un bolígrafo que me prestes?Javier, do you have an ink pen I can borrow?
- JavierSí, tengo uno en mi mochila.Yes, I have one in my backpack.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, lo necesito para firmar esto.Thank you very much, I need it to sign this.
- JavierDe nada, Elena.You're welcome, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bolígrafo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolígrafo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
