铅笔
qianbi
The Chinese word for pencil is 铅笔 (qianbi).
The term refers to a graphite writing instrument.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 铅笔 is the standard term, in certain informal contexts or dialects, the form 铅笔儿 is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 铅笔儿 is a common feature of the Beijing dialect. In Cantonese, the form 鉛筆 is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
qianbi
Did you know?
- The word 笔 is a broad category that historically included brushes for calligraphy, meaning a 铅笔 is literally a 'lead brush'.
- In Chinese culture, using a 铅笔 to write a name on a formal document is often seen as a sign of dishonesty because it can be erased.
- The character 铅 in 铅笔 actually means 'lead', reflecting the ancient belief that graphite was a form of lead.
Examples in context
- 汤姆拿起铅笔。Tom picked up a pencil.This sentence shows the action of picking up a 铅笔.Tatoeba #5869906 by verdastelo9604, translation #2546379 by CK
- 有谁有铅笔吗？Does anybody have a pencil?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a 铅笔.Tatoeba #8933577 by crescat, translation #3030047 by CK
- 别用铅笔签合同。Don't sign the contract in pencil.This sentence demonstrates a warning against using a 铅笔 to sign a contract.Tatoeba #5663461 by verdastelo9604, translation #3821554 by CK
- 铅笔儿在哪儿？Where is the pencil?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a classroom, a girl asks for a writing tool.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，你有铅笔吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ yǒu qiānbǐ ma?Zhiqiang, do you have a pencil?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我有，给你。Wǒ yǒu, gěi nǐ.I have one, here you go.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不客气。Bù kèqì.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
