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 |
All these terms refer to a tool used for writing. While many forms refer specifically to ballpoint pens, some can refer more broadly to various writing instruments.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lápiz de pasta is a descriptive way to say ballpoint pen, which literally translates to 'paste pencil'.
Which one should you use?
Bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen. In contrast, pluma can refer to a fountain pen or more generally to a writing instrument. The phrase lápiz de pasta is also used to describe a ballpoint pen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boli is a colloquial, shortened form of bolígrafo used in informal speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term esfero is common in certain Latin American countries, such as Colombia. In other parts of Latin America, such as Argentina, lapicera is frequently used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Bolígrafo and esfero are masculine nouns. Pluma and lapicera are feminine nouns. Boli and lapicero are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, people commonly refer to Bic brand pens simply as 'bics'.
Did you know?
- Because pluma comes from a Latin word where 'pl' usually becomes 'll' in Spanish, its pronunciation suggests it was historically a 'learned' word used by the upper classes.
- The word esfero comes from the word for 'sphere', referring to the tiny ball at the tip of the pen that rotates to release ink.
- Depending on the country, asking for a lapicera might get you a ballpoint pen in Argentina but could be misunderstood as a pencil case in other regions.
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
- Por favor, ¿me puedes prestar una pluma para firmar este documento?Please, can you lend me a pen to sign this document?
- Sr. García, ¿tiene un bolígrafo que pueda usar para tomar notas?Mr. García, do you have a pen I could use to take notes?
- ¿Me prestas un boli para anotar esto rápidamente?Can you lend me a pen to quickly jot this down?
- ¡Oye, deja el lapicero sobre la mesa para que pueda apuntar mis ideas!Hey, leave the pen on the table so I can write down my ideas!
- En muchos países hispanohablantes, los bolígrafos de la marca Bic son llamados simplemente "bics".In many Spanish-speaking countries, Bic pens are simply called "bics."
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in a classroom studying.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes un bolígrafo?Elena, do you have a pen?
- ElenaSí, tengo uno en mi estuche.Yes, I have one in my pencil case.
- JavierGracias, lo usaré un momento.Thanks, I will use it for a moment.
- ElenaNo hay problema, Javier.No problem, Javier.
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.
