bolígrafo
/boˈliɡɾafo/masculine
The English word "pen" can be translated into Spanish as bolígrafo. Wiktionary also lists pluma and boli.
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bolígrafo | /boˈliɡɾafo/ | masculine |
| pluma | /ˈpluma/ | feminine |
| boli | /ˈboli/ | colloquial, masculine, short form |
| lapicera | /lapiˈθeɾa/ /lapiˈseɾa/ |
feminine |
| lapicero | /lapiˈθeɾo/ /lapiˈseɾo/ |
masculine |
| esfero | /esˈfeɾo/ | masculine |
| lapiz de pasta | /lapiθ de pasta/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /lapis de pasta/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The term refers to a writing tool.
What does it mean word for word?
Bolígrafo is a portmanteau of bola (ball) and grafo (writer), literally meaning "ball-writer".
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse bolígrafo with lápiz, which means "pencil".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boli is a common, informal shortening of bolígrafo used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia and parts of Ecuador, esfero is the standard term for a ballpoint pen. In specific Mexican regions, lapicero is used. The term lapiz de pasta is also used for a pen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Pluma and lapicera are feminine nouns, while bolígrafo, boli, lapicero, esfero and lapiz de pasta are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, calling someone a pluma is a slang term used to describe a man who is perceived as effeminate or gay.
- The word pluma avoided the typical Spanish linguistic shift where Latin 'pl-' sounds usually evolve into 'll-'.
- In some regions, a lapicera is not the pen itself but the holder or case used to store pens and pencils.
Examples in context
- Tom bajó su pluma.Tom put down his pen.This sentence shows the use of pluma.Tatoeba #4594925 by cueyayotl, translation #1024320 by CK
- Me robaron el boli.I had my pen stolen.This sentence shows the use of boli.Tatoeba #13555721 by Seael, translation #252201 by CK
- Me robaron mi pluma.My pen has been stolen.Tatoeba #1532980 by marcelostockle, translation #1504670 by CM
- ¿Tienes un bolígrafo que pueda utilizar?Do you have a pen I can use?
- Oye, ¿me prestas una pluma para anotar algo rápido?Hey, can you lend me a pen to quickly jot something down?
- Olvidé mi lapicero en casa, ¿puedo usar tu pluma?I forgot my pen at home, can I use your pen?
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at a desk in a library.
- Lucía¿Me prestas tu bolígrafo, Javier?Will you lend me your pen, Javier?
- JavierClaro, aquí tienes el bolígrafo.Sure, here is the pen.
- LucíaMuchas gracias por ayudarme.Thank you very much for helping me.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries bolígrafo, pluma, boli, lapicera, lapicero, esfero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boli, bolígrafo, lapicera, pluma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
