シャープペンシル
shāpupenshiru[ɕa̠ːpɯ̟̊ pẽ̞ɰ̃ɕiɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, the phrase for mechanical pencil is シャープペンシル (shāpupenshiru). Wiktionary also lists シャーペン (shāpen).
Meaning: pencil with a retractable lead (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| シャープペンシル | shāpupenshiru | [ɕa̠ːpɯ̟̊ pẽ̞ɰ̃ɕiɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| シャーペン | shāpen | [ɕa̠ːpẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) | abbreviation |
A mechanical pencil is a pencil with a retractable lead. When referring to the replaceable lead inside the pencil, the specific word 芯 (shin) is used.
Which one should you use?
シャープペンシル is the full term, while シャーペン is a common abbreviation used in everyday speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
シャーペン is an informal abbreviation and is the most common way to refer to a mechanical pencil in daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
shāpupenshiru
Did you know?
- The word シャープペンシル likely exists because of the Sharp Corporation. The company was an early pioneer in the Japanese mechanical pencil market, causing its brand name to become a genericized term for the device itself.
- The word for the lead inside the pencil, 芯 (shin), is the same word used to describe the 'wick' of a candle or the 'core' of a fruit.
- Using the full term シャープペンシル in a casual setting like a school can actually make you sound stiff or overly formal. In daily life, the shortened シャーペン is the standard.
Examples in context
- 彼女からシャーペンの芯一本もらいました。I got a piece of lead for my mechanical pencil from her.This sentence shows how to use the abbreviation シャーペン when asking for or receiving a piece of lead.Tatoeba #562764 by gracehero, translation #562816 by kebukebu
- 新しいシャープペンシルを買いました。atarashii shaapupenshiru o kaimashita.I bought a new mechanical pencil.
- このシャープペンシルはとても使いやすいです。kono shaapupenshiru wa totemo tsukaiyasui desu.This mechanical pencil is very easy to use.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are studying together in a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、そのシャープペンシル、かっこいいね。Yui, sono shaapupenshiru, kakkoii ne.Yui, that mechanical pencil is cool.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。プレゼントでもらったの。Arigatou. Purezento de moratta no.Thanks. I got it as a gift.
- 健太 Kenta書き心地はどう？Kakigokochi wa dou?How does it write?
- 結衣 Yuiとても滑らかで書きやすいよ。Totemo nameraka de kakiyasui yo.It writes very smoothly and easily.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mechanical pencil” translations and entries シャープペンシル, シャーペン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シャープペンシル, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
