えんぴつ
enpitsu
The Japanese word for pencil is えんぴつ (enpitsu).
The word えんぴつ refers to a traditional graphite writing instrument.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
When written using Kanji as 鉛筆, the word breaks down into 鉛, meaning lead and 筆, meaning brush.
Which one should you use?
Use えんぴつ specifically for a traditional wooden graphite pencil. If you are referring to a mechanical pencil, use the word シャーペン, which is a shortening of the English phrase 'sharp pencil'.
How do you pronounce it?
enpitsu
Did you know?
- The term シャーペン is a 'wasei-eigo' word, meaning it is English-based Japanese that would not be recognized by a native English speaker.
- The concept of 'lead' in the word 鉛筆 is a historical holdover from when people believed the core was actually made of lead.
- In Japanese schools, students often use a specific type of えんぴつ called 2B or 4B which are much softer and darker than the standard 'HB' pencils common in the West.
Examples in context
- 鉛筆を使って字を書いています。I am writing characters with a pencil.
- 私は鉛筆が好きです。I like pencils.
- 鉛筆を二本買いました。I bought two pencils.
- えんぴつを貸してください。enpitsu o kashite kudasai.Please lend me a pencil.
- 新しいえんぴつを買いました。atarashii enpitsu o kaimashita.I bought a new pencil.
- そのえんぴつはとても短いですね。sono enpitsu wa totemo mijikai desu ne.That pencil is very short, isn't it?
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are preparing for a class in a classroom.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、えんぴつを持っている？Yui, enpitsu o motte iru?Yui, do you have a pencil?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、二本あるよ。un, nihon aru yo.Yes, I have two.
- 陽太 Yota一本貸してくれる？ippon kashite kureru?Can you lend me one?
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ、はいどうぞ。ii yo, hai douzo.Sure, here you go.
