crayon à papier
The English phrase "lead pencil" is translated into French as crayon à papier.
crayon à papier refers specifically to a writing instrument with a graphite core encased in wood. If you are referring to a mechanical pencil, the correct term to use is porte-mine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase crayon à papier literally translates to 'pencil for paper'.
Which one should you use?
While crayon à papier specifically refers to a graphite pencil, the word crayon on its own can refer to any kind of pencil or crayon depending on the context.
Did you know?
- The word mine used for the graphite core of a crayon à papier is the same word French speakers use for a landmine or an explosive mine.
- The word crayon is actually a diminutive of craie, meaning it literally translates to 'little chalk'.
- In a French classroom, a teacher might tell a student to tailler son crayon, using the verb for 'cutting' or 'carving' to mean sharpening the pencil.
Examples in context
- Pourrais-je emprunter un crayon à mine, s'il vous plaît?May I borrow a lead pencil, please?
- J'ai besoin d'un crayon à papier pour prendre des notes.I need a lead pencil to take notes.
- Tu as un crayon gris que je peux emprunter?Do you have a lead pencil I can borrow?
- J'ai oublié mon crayon à papier.I forgot my lead pencil.
- Peux-tu me prêter un crayon à papier ?Can you lend me a lead pencil?
- Ce crayon à papier est très bien taillé.This lead pencil is very well sharpened.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are studying at a library.
- NathanLéa, est-ce que tu as un crayon à papier ?Léa, do you have a lead pencil?
- LéaOui, j'en ai un dans mon sac.Yes, I have one in my bag.
- NathanMerci beaucoup, tu me sauves !Thank you so much, you're saving me!
- LéaDe rien, Nathan.You're welcome, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crayon, papier, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
