potlood
/ˈpɔt.loːt/neuter
The English word 'pencil' is potlood in Dutch.
potlood refers to a graphite writing instrument.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
potlood is a neuter noun. Because it is neuter, it takes the definite article het (het potlood) instead of de. The plural form of potlood is potloden.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈpɔt.loːt/.
Did you know?
- The word potlood literally translates to 'pot lead'. This comes from the early mistake of thinking graphite was a type of lead used for glazing pottery.
- In Dutch, the expression iets op potlood zetten means to put something in pencil, implying the plan is provisional and can be easily changed.
- The Dutch word lood is used both for the metal 'lead' and the 'plumb line' used by builders to ensure a wall is perfectly vertical.
Examples in context
- Heb je een potlood?Have you got a pencil?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a potlood.Tatoeba #395249 by Dorenda, translation #25768 by sundown
- Dat is een potlood.That is a pencil.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is a potlood.Tatoeba #7455571 by MarijnKp, translation #67086 by CK
- Dit potlood is wit.This pencil is white.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a potlood.Tatoeba #7455581 by MarijnKp, translation #1764752 by BraveSentry
- Ik heb een potlood nodig.I need a pencil.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Lucas are studying at a library.
- LisaHeb je een potlood voor mij?Do you have a pencil for me?
- LucasNee, ik heb alleen een pen.No, I only have a pen.
- LisaDan moet ik een potlood kopen.Then I must buy a pencil.
- LucasWacht, ik heb nog een potlood in mijn tas.Wait, I still have a pencil in my bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil” translations and entries potlood, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries potlood, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
