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 |
In Spanish, several words are used for a writing tool, depending on the specific type of pen or the region where you are speaking. While bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen, other terms like pluma or esfero may be used to describe similar writing instruments.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lapiz de pasta literally translates to 'paste pencil'.
Which one should you use?
Bolígrafo specifically refers to a ballpoint pen, which is the most common type of pen used today. Boli is a shortened version of bolígrafo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boli is a colloquial, short-form version of bolígrafo used in informal speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Esfero is the standard term for a ballpoint pen in several Latin American countries, most notably Colombia and Ecuador. Lapicero is another masculine alternative. The phrase lapiz de pasta is also used in certain regions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The terms vary in gender: pluma and lapicera are feminine, while bolígrafo, boli, lapicero, esfero and lapiz de pasta are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- The word pluma actually means 'feather', which reflects the history of using actual bird feathers as writing instruments.
- The word bolígrafo is relatively modern, with its first recorded use only appearing in 1947.
- The word esfero comes from the Spanish word for 'sphere', referring to the tiny ball inside the tip of the pen.
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
- Necesito un bolígrafo para firmar este documentoI need a pen to sign this document
- ¿Me puedes prestar tu bolígrafo, por favor?Can you lend me your pen, please?
- ¡Qué linda lapicera tienes!What a nice pen you have!
- No encuentro mi lapicera, ¿me prestas una?I can't find my pen, can you lend me one?
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are in a classroom.
- AlejandroElena, ¿tienes un bolígrafo?Elena, do you have a pen?
- ElenaSí, aquí tienes uno.Yes, here is one.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias por el bolígrafo.Thank you very much for the pen.
- ElenaDe nada, Alejandro.You are welcome, Alejandro.
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.
