lapis
/lapis/from spelling rules
The Spanish word lapis refers to the English phrase lapis, a deep blue semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art.
In a gemstone context, lapis refers to the blue stone. Note that Lápiz de grafito translates to 'graphite pencil.'
How do you pronounce it?
/lapis/
Did you know?
- The blue of lapis is so iconic that in art history, the pigment derived from it is called ultramar in Spanish, meaning 'beyond the sea'.
- The Spanish word lápiz comes from the Latin word lapis, which means 'stone'. This is because early pencils used pieces of graphite, which was originally mistaken for a type of stone.
- In the context of jewelry, Spanish speakers often refer to the stone as lapislázuli to avoid any confusion with the word for pencil.
Examples in context
- ¿Alguien tiene un portaminas?Does anyone have a mechanical pencil?
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking at jewelry in a store.
- LucíaMira este collar de lapis, Alejandro.Look at this lapis necklace, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs hermoso, tiene un azul increíble.It is beautiful, it has an incredible blue.
- LucíaCreo que el lapis combina con mi vestido.I think the lapis matches my dress.
- AlejandroSí, te quedaría muy bien.Yes, it would look very good on you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
