lápiz de color
/lapiθ de koloɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "pencil crayon" is translated into Spanish as lápiz de color.
The term refers to a colored pencil used for drawing or coloring.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lápiz de color literally translates to 'pencil of color'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the term lápices de colores is sometimes used for "pencil crayon". Additionally, in many Spanish-speaking regions, people simply refer to them as colores within an art or classroom context.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the plural form, both the noun lápiz and the noun color change to their plural forms, resulting in lápices de colores.
How do you pronounce it?
/lapiθ de koloɾ/
Did you know?
- The word lápiz is a doublet of the word lápida, which means 'tombstone' or 'epitaph'. Both words share the same ancient root related to stone.
- The spelling of lápiz changes its final consonant from a 'z' to an 's' when it becomes the plural lápices.
- While lápiz de color is grammatically singular, you will frequently hear the plural lápices de colores used in Latin America to refer to a single box of colored pencils.
Examples in context
- Necesito un lápiz de color para el dibujo.I need a colored pencil for the drawing.
- ¿Tienes un lápiz de color azul?Do you have a blue colored pencil?
- El lápiz de color se rompió.The colored pencil broke.
Example conversation
Javier and María are working on an art project together.
- Javier¿Me prestas tu lápiz de color verde?Can you lend me your green colored pencil?
- MaríaClaro, Javier, aquí tienes.Sure, Javier, here you go.
- JavierGracias, María, me salvas la vida.Thanks, María, you're saving my life.
- MaríaDe nada, sigue con tu dibujo.You're welcome, keep going with your drawing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries color, de, lápiz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
