lápiz pasta
everyday, Chile
In Chile a ballpoint pen is most often called lápiz pasta. The standard Spanish word bolígrafo is understood everywhere and used in more formal writing. It is also called lápiz de pasta.
Meaning: writing instrument with ink (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| lápiz pasta | everyday, Chile |
| bolígrafo | standard |
| lápiz de pasta | variant |
At school or the office you might ask ¿me prestas un lápiz pasta? Chileans use lápiz alone for a pencil.
Which one should you use?
In Chile a pencil with a graphite core is lápiz grafito or lápiz mina, so pasta is what tells the two apart.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Other countries use different words for the same object, such as bolígrafo in Spain and birome in Argentina.
Did you know?
- Chilean school supply lists usually ask separately for lápiz grafito and lápiz pasta.
Examples in context
- Firma con lápiz pasta azul.Sign with a blue pen.
- Se me quedó el bolígrafo en la casa.I left my pen at home.
Example conversation
Javiera needs a pen at a bank in Concepción and asks a Señor standing next to her.
- JavieraDisculpa, ¿me prestas un lápiz pasta?Excuse me, can you lend me a pen?
- SeñorClaro, aquí tienes.Sure, here you go.
- JavieraGracias, se lo devuelvo enseguida.Thanks, I will give it back right away.
- SeñorTranquila, quédatelo.No worries, keep it.
